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#MinestroneGenovese #Minestrone Genovese Recipe Guide

Minestrone Genovese

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Course Soup
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed
  • Large soup pot
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle
  • Blender or mortar and pestle (for pesto)

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • For the Minestrone:
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 1 celery stalk diced
  • 2 potatoes cubed
  • 7 oz borlotti beans soaked overnight
  • 7 oz green beans trimmed
  • 2 zucchinis diced
  • 2 tomatoes peeled and chopped
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 3 oz leafy greens such as chard or spinach
  • 11 oz short pasta e.g., ditalini
  • Water or vegetable stock enough to cover ingredients
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • For the Pesto:
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts optional
  • 1/3 cup olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Step-by-Step Method:
  • Prepare the Vegetables:
  • Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables as directed. Drain the soaked borlotti beans.
  • Start the Base:
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
  • Build the Soup:
  • Add all the vegetables and beans to the pot. Pour in enough water or stock to cover the ingredients completely. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Simmer:
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more water if the soup becomes too thick.
  • Cook the Pasta:
  • Once the vegetables are tender, add the pasta to the pot. Cook until the pasta is al dente.
  • Make the Pesto:
  • While the pasta cooks, blend basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts (if using), and olive oil until smooth. Adjust consistency with a splash of water if needed.
  • Combine and Serve:
  • Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a spoonful of pesto and additional grated cheese. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  • Variations and Tips:
  • Vegetarian: Use vegetable stock and skip the cheese in pesto for a vegan option. Substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice.
  • Add Protein: Include cooked chicken or tofu cubes for added protein.
Keyword Minestrone