Most of us have eaten minestrone from a packet or a tin - which has little in common with the dish the Italians often eat before their main meal.
Imitated around the world, it's one of the commonest dishes in Italy and every region has its own variety. It's easy to make, nutritious and delicious to eat. Simon Rimmer, the chef behind Soup Dragon - a new chain of soup bars in the North, let Lesley Hilton into his kitchen to show her why he believes minestrone will always be a classic.
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