Minestrone Abruzzese

generous 1/2 cup flageolets (dried haricot beans)
1/4 cup chick peas
1/4 cup brown lentils
1/2 pound pork rind
1 ham bone or pig's trotter
1 pig's ear
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped fat salt pork
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2-3 sprigs parsley, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
4 large ripe tomatoes
1 bulb fennel, finely chopped
1 cup fresh lima (broad) beans
2 cups shelled green peas
4-5 leaves fresh mint
3—4 leaves marjoram
pepper
1/2 pound fresh spinach, cut in ribbons
1/2 pound short thick noodles — optional
grated Parmesan or Pecorino

Soak the dried vegetables in water overnight. The following day, half-cook them in unsalted water. In another pan boil the pork rind, ham bone or trotter and pig's ear in salted water for about 2 hours. When the meat is tender, drain and cut into small pieces. Heat the oil and fat salt pork in the pan in which the soup is to be made, and saute the garlic, parsley and carrots until the garlic is golden but not brown and the carrot has softened. Add the tomatoes, the dried vegetables, drained, and all the remaining fresh vegetables and herbs, except the spinach. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper, and cover with about 12 cups water. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 1 hour. Add the spinach and the meat, and cook until the spinach is soft. Noodles may be added if an even thicker minestrone is preferred, but as always, care must be taken not to overcook them. Serve hot or cold, sprinkled generously with grated Parmesan or Pecorino.
Serves 6 to 8.

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