Kristine's Kitchen - Minestrone Alla Casalinga

By Kristine Mencias | October 15, 2016 |  

One of my favorite soups is the Italian classic, Minestrone. In this week's column, we will prepare this classic and hearty homestyle soup.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup white nay beans

3 tbsps olive oil

2 medium onions, chopped

2 cloves crushed garlic

2-3 slices of bacon

4 fresh tomatoes, skinned, seeded and chopped

7 1/2 cups of water

1 tsp fresh chopped marjoram

1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme

2 diced carrots

1 diced small turnip

1-2 stalks finely sliced celery

3 cups shredded cabbage

2 small diced potatoes

1/2 cup macaroni or pasta shells

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

salt, pepper

grated parmesan cheese

Optional: fresh basil and oregano

Procedures:

Soak beans overnight. Heat the oil in a large sauce pan, add the onions, garlic, and bacon and saute for a few minutes. Add the tomatoes and navy beans

Add the water, marjoram, and thyme and simmer for about 2 hours

Add the carrot, cook for about 10 minutes, then add the potatoes and turnip.

Cook for a few more minutes, then add the celery, cabbage, and the pasta. Cook until the vegetables and pasta are tender, then add parsley and salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese and offer extra cheese when serving.

Serve with a nice glass of Chianti and crusty Italian bread and you will have a hearty meal that will have you going back for seconds!