Step 1

Beans

Step 2

Cook the beans in boiling water with the bay leaves for approx. 30 mins. until just soft, drain the water and set aside the beans.

Step 3

Soup

Step 4

Remove the bacon rind and set aside. Cut the bacon into sticks, fry briefly in a large pan. Reduce the heat, add the onion, garlic and sage, cook for approx. 5 mins. Add the savoy cabbage, carrots, leek, celery and tomato puree, cook for a further 5 mins. Add the bacon rind, pour in the stock, bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, simmer the soup for approx. 20 mins.

Step 5

To assemble

Step 6

Add the beans, potatoes, tomatoes and rice, simmer the minestrone for approx. 20 mins., season. Remove the bacon rind, plate up the minestrone, sprinkle the parmesan and parsley on top.