Macho Minestrone

Name: Macho Minestrone
Ingredients: 1/3 cup olive oil, divided; 1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes; salt and ground black pepper to taste; 1 quart chicken broth; 2 cups water; 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes; 2 zucchinis, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons; 1 bunch kale, chopped; 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup ditalini pasta; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

15 ingredients

5 steps

Ingredients

1/3 cup olive oil, divided
1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 quart chicken broth
2 cups water
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 zucchinis, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
1 bunch kale, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup ditalini pasta
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

1

Heat about 1/4 cup olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir Italian sausage in hot oil until about half browned, about 5 minutes. Add carrots, celery, and onion; continue to cook and stir until the sausage is completely browned, about 5 minutes more. Drain and discard some of the fat if you find it too greasy.
2

Stir potatoes into the sausage mixture, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the potatoes begin to soften, about 7 minutes more.
3

Pour chicken broth and water into the pot. Bring the liquid to a boil while scraping the browned bits of food off of the bottom of the pan with a flat-edged spoon. Add tomatoes and again bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the potatoes are completely soft, about 15 minutes.
4

Stir zucchini and kale into the liquid; simmer until zucchini is soft, about 10 minutes.
5

Stir cannellini beans and ditalini pasta into the liquid; cook until pasta is tender, about 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese and splash of olive oil.