Minestrone Soup

I got this delicious recipe from a woman at one of my favorite local restaurants, Theo's Cozy Corner.  It is delicious!

Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

10 cups of vegetable broth (I make mine every Sunday and freeze it)

1/2 cup of cannelloni beans

1/2 cup of white navy beans

1 cup of pasta (I used cavatelli)

1 large onion
2 Carrots
3 White Potatoes
4 stalks Celery
1 tablespoon dried Basil
1 tablespoon dried Oregano
2 teaspoons Rosemary
1 teaspoon Salt

1 teaspoon Black Pepper

3 cloves of Garlic

6 bay leaves

I always use dry beans.  If you are doing the same, soak your beans over night to prepare them.  I soaked and cooked mine separately.

When you are ready to start, drain your beans and add 3 cups of water and 3 bay leaves in two separate pots.  Bring the water to a boil and then add your beans to each pot and cover.  Reduce the heat and stir often.  Beans generally take about 45 minutes to cook.  Try one to make sure they are ready and make sure they are tender. Once they are done, drain them and set them aside.

Start by cutting all your veggies into matchsticks, I use the mandolin for this.  Then hand cut them into really small pieces.

Add all your veggies to a large soup pot and add the broth, garlic and spices. Bring to a boil and cover, then reduce heat and simmer until your veggies are tender.  Prepare your pasta.

Add the pasta and beans to the veggies and simmer on low for another 5 minutes.  Then you are ready to eat!