Minestrone Soup II

Minestrone Soup II Recipe - Traditional Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Minestrone Soup II is a hearty and delicious Italian soup that is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta. This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day or when you're looking for a nutritious and filling dish.

History

Minestrone soup has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. It originated as a way to use up leftover vegetables and beans, making it a thrifty and practical dish. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients, but the basic concept of a hearty vegetable soup remains the same.

Ingredients

500 g dried haricot or sugar beans, soaked in water overnight, covered
2 tbsp rindless bacon, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 small cabbage, finely shredded
4 leeks, finely sliced
4 baby marrows, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 stalks table celery, diced
4 carrots, diced
2 tomatoes, skinned and diced
1.5 liters boiling water
1 sprig fresh rosemary or a pinch of dried rosemary
a pinch of dried basil
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
75 ml oil
0.5 cup raw elbow macaroni
1 tbsp salt
a pinch of freshly ground black pepper
garnish: grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

In a saucepan, cook the beans in the water in which they were soaked until tender, 1 to 1.5 hours.
Cook the beans slightly, then pass half of them through a sieve or blend them in a blender to form a purée.
Drain the remaining beans and set them aside.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan and gently sauté the garlic, onion, celery, carrots, rosemary, and bacon until golden brown.
Add the tomatoes and sauté for a few more minutes, adding a little sugar if necessary.
Add the cabbage, leeks, baby marrows, basil, bay leaf, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Add the whole and puréed beans together with the boiling water.
Add the macaroni and simmer, covered, until the macaroni is tender, about 20 minutes.
Serve garnished with Parmesan cheese.
The soup can also be frozen before adding the macaroni.
To serve, thaw the soup at room temperature for 2 hours, reheat over low heat, add the macaroni, and simmer, covered, until the macaroni is tender, about 20 minutes.
Serve garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Variations

You can customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices. You can also add cooked chicken or sausage for a meatier version of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the beans until they are tender before adding them to the soup. This will ensure that they are soft and creamy in the final dish.

- Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the soup helps to develop their flavors and adds depth to the dish.

- Garnishing the soup with Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory kick that complements the vegetables and beans.

Serving Suggestions

Minestrone Soup II is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs well with a glass of red wine or a light and refreshing white wine.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Minestrone Soup II is to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still have some bite. This will ensure that the soup has a nice texture and the flavors are well-developed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the ingredients on hand, you can easily substitute different vegetables or beans in this recipe. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Minestrone Soup II can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Minestrone Soup II in a large bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add a sprig of fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and pasta. It also goes well with a side of garlic bread or bruschetta for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Minestrone Soup II can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat the soup on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Minestrone Soup II contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Minestrone Soup II contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the beans, vegetables, and pasta in the soup, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

Fats

There are about 10 grams of fat in each serving of Minestrone Soup II. The fat comes from the bacon and oil used to sauté the vegetables, as well as the Parmesan cheese garnish.

Proteins

This soup is a good source of protein, with each serving containing around 15 grams. The protein comes from the beans, bacon, and Parmesan cheese, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Minestrone Soup II is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used in the recipe. It is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making it a nutritious and wholesome dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon and Parmesan cheese, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Minestrone Soup II is a nutritious and delicious meal that is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a well-rounded and satisfying dish.

Summary

Minestrone Soup II is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup is a hearty and satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Enjoy this classic Italian recipe with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling city of Rome, and I was wandering through the local market, taking in the sights and smells of fresh produce and spices. As I walked past a small, quaint cafe, I caught a whiff of something delicious wafting through the air. Intrigued, I followed my nose inside and found myself face to face with a steaming bowl of Minestrone Soup.

The aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water, and when I took my first spoonful, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The hearty broth was rich with the flavors of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, and each bite was a comforting hug for my soul. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this soup for myself.

I struck up a conversation with the owner of the cafe, an elderly Italian woman with a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile on her face. She told me that the recipe for the Minestrone Soup had been passed down through generations of her family, and she was happy to share it with me. She guided me through the process, showing me how to chop the vegetables just right, simmer the broth to perfection, and add the final touches of herbs and seasonings.

As I followed her instructions, I could feel the connection to my own heritage growing stronger with each stir of the spoon. I thought of my own grandmother, who had taught me the importance of sharing meals with loved ones and the joy of cooking with heart and soul. I knew that this recipe for Minestrone Soup would become a beloved tradition in my own family, passed down through the generations just like the one I had learned that day in Rome.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and invited my friends and family to join me for a taste. The looks of delight on their faces as they took their first bites filled me with pride and satisfaction. The flavors of the Minestrone Soup transported them to Italy, even if just for a moment, and I knew that I had found a recipe worth cherishing for a lifetime.

Since that day in Rome, I have made the Minestrone Soup countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have shared it with friends, neighbors, and strangers alike, always happy to pass on the gift of good food and warm memories. Each time I make a pot of Minestrone Soup, I am reminded of that fateful day in the market, and of the kind-hearted woman who shared her family recipe with me so generously.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of Minestrone Soup on the stove, I am grateful for the journey that led me to this moment. The recipe may have come from a small cafe in Rome, but the love and care I put into making it are all my own. And as I pour steaming bowls of soup for my family, I know that the tradition of sharing good food and good company will continue to bring us together, no matter where life may take us.