The invitation to participate in the minestrone soup festival in Lendava, sent to us by our friends from Coastal area and Istria from Prekmurje, was a real challenge for the members of the mountaineering section of our association. We signed up with joy because, knowing the hosts, we were sure that it would be an interesting and cheerful gathering, and we would also try our culinary skills.
And so it was. We started early, June 01, 2024, Ivan as head cook and driver and three assistant cooks and drivers as needed Olga, Zdenka and me. Everything went according to plan. There was a bit of excitement as we found the location. The hosts welcomed us nicely and showed us our place for cooking. We took a kettle with ingredients for minestrone soup. Olga and I threw ourselves into chopping the vegetables we got, and Ivan and Zdenka had fun around the fire. We were a well-coordinated team. 13 teams participated. It was lively, lots of visitors and participants, and the local orchestra entertained everyone. Very soon smoke was seen everywhere and the crackling of fire was heard. When we put the onions to stew, we had time to take a break and devote ourselves to decorating the table. Ivan took out the brandy and offered it to the visitors with a glass of homemade plum and cherry brandy that Olga had brought.
We put up the decoration we had prepared - ivy, rosemary and lavender. We have prepared homemade buns, wafers, rahatlokum, baklava, halva and homemade scones for visitors. Our catalogues and advertising tourist material were on the table. The minestrone soup was slowly simmering, and we chatted with friends from Umag and other participants. From time to time we tried the taste and added more salt, add some hot peppers, then add some tomato sauce that Marija gave us, then fresh dill and parsley until we agreed that our minestrone was ready for judging. We gave the commission a sample, took a breather and then sat down and ate our minestrone soup and unanimously stated that our soup is the best!! This is supported by the fact that our kettle was empty very quickly.
We didn't get a prize, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the festivities with our friends and dear hosts.
Ljiljana Memon
