Lombardy Minestrone

2 tbsp olive oil
1 leek, sliced
1 cup celeriac, diced
3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 cups kidney beans, soaked and simmered until soft
2 cups tomatoes, diced
4 cups swiss chard, chopped
6 cups water or stock
1 tsp herbes de Provence (marjoram, rosemary, sage, thyme)
salt and pepper to taste
2/3 cups uncooked long grain brown rice

Heat oil in deep coverd pan. Add leek and celeriac, stirring occasionally until soft. Add squash, cook a couple of minutes, stir once or twice. Add remaining ingredients. Cover, bring to a boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.

From Ibby Gemmil