1 1/2 lbs. artichokes, cleaned and cut into manageable pieces
2 bunches spring onions
1 lb peas
1 lb fava beans, shelled twice
1 large bunch of asparagus sliced on the diagonal
1 to 2 cloves sliced garlic
28 oz can whole tomatoes
red wine
salt, pepper and crushed red pepper to taste
Heat some olive oil in a large dutch oven or pot over medium high heat. Brown artichokes in the pan, then add onions and saute until almost translucent. Add the asparagus and fry about 3 to 4 minutes. Add fava and peas and fry another 4 to 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper & crushed red pepper to taste. Add a small can of whole tomatoes, squished by hand and add the juice from the can. Add a few glugs of red wine. Braise for about 30 minutes until all veggies are cooked. You can add a cubed potato if you are using the menestra as a main dish.
This should fill a dutch oven 3/4 of the way.
