Hearty Minestrone

Name: Hearty Minestrone
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 oz. smoked, cooked ham, diced; 1 tsp. dried basil; 1/4 tsp. pepper; 6 c. water; 1 (13 3/4 oz.) can beef broth; 4 ribs celery, sliced thin; 4 carrots, pared and diced; 2 zucchini, diced; 2 medium thin-skinned potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch chunks; 2 escarole or spinach leaves, tough stems removed; 1 (8 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained; 1 c. uncooked small pasta (twists or elbows); grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

16 ingredients

7 steps

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 large onion, chopped
4 oz. smoked, cooked ham, diced
1 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. pepper
6 c. water
1 (13 3/4 oz.) can beef broth
4 ribs celery, sliced thin
4 carrots, pared and diced
2 zucchini, diced
2 medium thin-skinned potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 escarole or spinach leaves, tough stems removed
1 (8 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained
1 c. uncooked small pasta (twists or elbows)
grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1

In large saucepot, combine oil, garlic, onion, ham, basil, oregano and pepper.
2

Cook over medium heat until onion is soft, stirring occasionally.
3

Add water, tomatoes, broth, celery, carrots, zucchini and potatoes.
4

Bring mixture to a boil over high heat; reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
5

Cut escarole into strips; add to soup with beans and pasta.
6

Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, until pasta and vegetables are tender.
7

If desired, serve the soup topped with grated Parmesan cheese.