Winter Minestrone (Italian)

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS:

Put 10 cups of water in a pot, keep it boiling and set aside.

In a large pot, add 4 Tbs of EV olive oil and the onion chopped finely and the bay leaves. Saute` the onion until it becomes translucent.

Add the potatoes and the butternut squash and saute` them in the onion for about 2 mins.

Add the cauliflowers, the artichokes, the tomatoes and the celery and saute for about 2 mins.

Add about 4 cups of water enough to cover the ingredients and let everything cook at medium flame for about 10-15 mins.

If it gets too dry add some more hot water. Add salt as desired.

Taste the potatoes and they are almost tender add the broccoli rabe.

Let the broccoli rabe cook for 4-5 mins. and serve with pecorino cheese and fresh black pepper.

Kusksu (Maltese)

INGREDIENTS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a large pot fry the onion with a good dose of olive oil for about five minutes.
Add in the garlic, tomato paste and mint. Fry for 1 minute.
Add the broad beans, peas and stock.
Bring to a boil and simmer for fifteen minutes.
Add in the giant couscous and simmer for fifteen minutes.
If adding in eggs, gently crack open and put in with the couscous.
Add in the Maltese cheeselets and cook for a further ten minutes.
When serving provide each plate with a cheeselet and egg if using. If not using the cheeselet then place a dollop of ricotta into the bowl instead.
Season and sprinkle some parmesan and fresh mint on top.