Vegetable Minestrone Soup
By Allison ~ October 22nd, 2009. Filed under: Allison Shops, Décor, Recipes.
Image via Picky Cook
Nothing warms the soul like a nice bowl of soup….but in my book, shopping comes in as a close second! Since Rhoda is having a Recipe Party this week, I decided to combine my shopping finds with a delicious homemade vegetable minestrone.
4 small leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced thin and washed
4 medium carrots chopped into bite size pieces
1 medium onion diced
4 stalks celery chopped into bite size pieces
2 baking potatoes chopped into bite size pieces
2 zucchinis chopped into bite size pieces
3 cups baby spinach
6 cloves garlic minced
28 oz can diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable stock
4 cups water
rind from parmesan, about 1 inch thick
grated parmesan for the top of the soup
1 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup orzo or other pasta
1/4 cup basil pesto
1 tbs all purpose seasoning – use your fav – mine is essence
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp italian seasoning
1 tbs sun-dried tomato paste
pinch red pepper flakes
olive oil
In an 8 quart Dutch oven, bottom coated with olive oil, add leeks and onions. Saute for 4-6 minutes or until translucent. Add garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes.
Add carrots, celery, potatoes and zucchini. Saute for 5-6 minutes.
Add tomatoes, parmesan rind, stock and water. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer.
Add spinach and simmer for 20 minutes. Check seasoning and adjust as needed.
Add the pasta and cook for 3 minutes. Then add beans and cook another 5 minutes.
When the pasta is cooked, turn off heat and stir in pesto. Add a touch of lemon juice is you like.
Serve with grated parmesan, along with a good crusty bread.
Notes from moi:
- You can also add a pound of ground beef, green beans and/or squash.
- Substitute 1 cup of small shell pasta for the rice.
- Be careful not to overcook, only for the amount of time indicated. Soup is more flavorful the next day, slowly reheat. Also freezes well.
Sources:
Recipe – Picky Cook
Cast Iron Dutch Oven – $150, Cookware.com
Ceramic Onion Jar – $62, From Spain
Wrought Iron Ladle and Spoon Set – $32, Iron Accents
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October 22nd, 2009 at 6:21 am
That soup sounds delicious – and I love your spoons!!
All the best,
April
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:49 am
Looks delicious!! We love soup!
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:00 am
Soup is, in my opinion, one of the best Winter/Fall comfort foods. Your recipe sounds amazing.
Stopping by from Rhoda’s party. 
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:30 am
Oh, I love Minestone…great post
Blessings!
Gail
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:43 am
Hi, Allison, thanks for joining the party! Your soup sounds delish, we love soups at our house, so I’ll have to try this one sometime. all those ingredients have to be good.
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:07 am
Oh this sounds so yummy! Stopping by from Southern Hospitality. Lovin’ your other recipes too!!! Come see me sometime, I’d be thrilled!
sweetjeanette.blogspot.com
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:33 pm
YUMMY!!! minestone it one of my favorites.
I really like the spoons.
Geri
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
What a hearty, scrumptious looking dish that is. Comfort foods can be healthy. Makes me want tp be snowed in and enjoying a crackling fireplace, too.
Beautiful Dutch oven. My mother swears by her cast iron Dutch oven.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Thanks for stopping by. I’ve enjoyed seeing what everyone has been cooking up for fall! We’re having a warm spell today, so no soup tonight! But come fall/winter, we have a pot going at least every weekend.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Oh WOW this sounds GREAT!! We’ve been on a soup kick here (will post mine soon) I’m going to have to give this a try!! Thanks!
~TidyMom
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Now that looks like some good soup -one day when it’s chilly (which will be soon I’m sure) I’ll give it a try. thanks for stopping by.
vickie
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Sounds delicious!
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:40 pm
This sounds so yummy. I love the idea of adding the pesto- for lots of intense flavor! I bet this tastes better the 2nd and 3rd…. day.
Great recipe
Yvonne
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Another Alabama gal! I am glad you found me.
Your soup looks delicious. I love soups in the winter time. I will have to give this a try.
Thanks for visiting.
Donna
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Its even cooling off in Arizona and time for soup! Looks fantastic!
Have a wonderful week end!
~Really Rainey~
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Minestrone is a winner for a cool weather day! Come visit and join my first ever giveaway today!
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:28 am
It’s definitely time for soup here in Oregon. Our rains have started and a big pot of soup is the best umbrella in the world
. This sounds really scrumptious.
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I love Minestrone and I haven’t made it yet this fall. Thanks for the reminder. The wonderful kitchen items are fabulous too. I enjoyed my visit.
Sue
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
that looks delicious! I love soup spoons, and those you shared are so cute. Thanks for a great recipe!
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Thanks for the sweet comments. We’re looking forward to making soup this weekend. Not really cool enough in our neck of the woods, but craving it!
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Delicious-looking soup. It’s a little chilly tonight and I could use a nice hearty soup to warm me up!
November 11th, 2009 at 4:51 am
The veg soup was really incredible and the pic has only added more charm to it, thanks for sharing the recipe, i am looking forward to do it myself.