Hearty Minestrone

The first time I read an Italian-only menu, I noticed a category called minestre where various soups were listed. Later, I learned that Italian cuisine has zuppa, originating as a meager peasant’s ration of broth served with bread and the more hearty minestre. The most hearty of them all, minestrone, is a soup with broth, vegetables and pasta or rice. Besides the basic ingredients, may cooks throw in veggies they have on hand.

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Hearty Minestrone

This hearty soup recipe is so nutritious. Besides the basic ingredients, may cooks throw in veggies they have on hand.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 260kcal

Author: Kevin Lamoureux

Ingredients

• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 19 oz can bean medley drained
• 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut up
• 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 yellow onion chopped
• 1 rib celery chopped
• 1 green pepper chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 cups water
• 1 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp anise
• 1/4 cup parsley chopped
• 1/2 cup small shell pasta small macaroni or 1 cup small egg noodles
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a large saucepan, sauté the onion, celery and green pepper until tender (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in the bean medley, green beans and tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
• Add the beef broth, parsley, basil and anise. Allow to simmer for about 15 minutes.
• Add the water and pasta; simmer until the pasta is tender. Use the pasta’s suggested cooking time as a guide.

Notes

Although meatless, the inclusion of the bean medley means this soup will have plenty of protein and fiber. Try to choose a bean medley that includes Romano, kidney and Lima beans.