Broad Bean Courgette Soup With Gouda Food

BROAD BEAN & COURGETTE SOUP WITH GOUDA

Steps:

• Heat oil in a medium soup pot over a medium heat.
• Gently saute the onion for five minutes, until it softens but does not colour.
• Add the garlic and courgettes and cook for a further two minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the vegetable stock and pop the lid on the pot. Leave to simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
• Meanwhile, boil the broad beans for four minutes. Drain and plunge them into some cold water. Remove the pale green skins and set the vibrant green broad beans aside.
• A few minutes before the end of the cooking time add the chopped mint and torn basil to the soup pot. Leave the soup to cool for a few minutes and then puree with a hand blender until smooth.
• Stir in the grated Gouda and the broad beans and reheat the soup. Do not allow to boil.
• Season to taste and serve with plenty of crusty bread.

BROAD BEAN, YOGURT & MINT SOUP

Steps:

• Fry the onion and celery gently in the butter in a covered saucepan over a low heat for about 10 minutes until very tender. Tip in the rice, add the savory or thyme and cook for another minute, uncovered. Now add the broad beans, pour in 1 litre/13⁄4 pints stock and season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, simmer for about 5 minutes, then tip in the peas and cook for a further 5 minutes, by which time the rice will be tender.
• Remove the herb sprig and purée the soup in batches in a blender or food processor, then return to the rinsed-out pan. (If you've got a hand blender, use it in the pan.)
• Shortly before serving, reheat the soup thoroughly and add more stock if the consistency is too thick for your liking. Take the pan off the heat and stir in 1 tbsp of the yogurt and the chopped mint. Continue to stir in the yogurt, 1 tbsp at a time, until it's all incorporated. Taste for seasoning, then serve in warmed bowls with an extra spoonful of yogurt stirred into each and a grinding of black pepper on top.

COURGETTE & BROAD BEAN RISOTTO WITH BASIL PESTO

Steps:

• To make the pesto, crush the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt using a pestle and mortar. Add the pine nuts and pound to a coarse paste, then tear in the basil and mint, pounding again until they've broken down. Stir in the oil and cheese, then taste for seasoning - add more cheese if you like.
• Heat the oil and butter in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the courgettes, sprinkle in the chilli flakes and nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Fry for 3-5 mins until the courgettes are golden and softened. Add the spring onions and lemon zest, and stir for a minute or two. Tip in the rice and stir to coat in the oil until translucent, about 2 mins.
• Pour in the wine, then cook for a couple of minutes until it's mostly evaporated. Add a ladleful of the stock and stir for a few minutes until it's absorbed. Continue adding a ladleful at a time for 20-30 mins, stirring continually, until all of the stock is absorbed.
• Stir in the blanched broad beans and flowers, if using, and warm through for 2 mins. Remove from the heat and stir through the parmesan. Allow to sit for about 5 mins, then swirl through half of the pesto. Any remaining pesto will keep chilled for up to two days.
• Divide the risotto between bowls and scatter with the extra basil leaves, extra cheese and another spoonful of the pesto, if you like.

BROAD BEAN & COURGETTE SALAD

Steps:

• To make the vinaigrette, whisk the white wine vinegar and olive oil together with some seasoning, then set aside. Boil a pan of water, add the broad beans and boil for 2-3 mins. Drain and plunge into iced water, then leave to cool a little before removing the skins.
• Cut the baby courgettes into 4-5 pieces on the diagonal. If you are using medium courgettes, cut into four lengthways and slice into 5mm thick pieces.
• Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat, add the courgettes. Cook, stirring for 5-8 mins, until they are a light golden colour. Add the broad beans and some seasoning, and cook for another 30 secs. Remove from the heat and stir in the vinaigrette while still warm. Serve with the chopped walnuts scattered over.