Soup

Yesterday I made soup. I am not a big soup maker as it never seems to turn out right. I am not sure what I do or what I expect but it is usually not bad but not good.
So a new recipe popped up on my mail. Michael Chiarello, TV Chef.
It was for Home-Style Minestrone.
I love a good Minestrone soup but I want it full bodied. No watery soup for me.
So I thought I can do that, by making a few adjustments according to my ingredients.
So here goes,

Home Style Minestrone

1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil, (I use olive oil, Light)

2 cups finely chopped onions

6 cloves garlic

1 cup diced celery

1 cup diced carrots

1 tablespoon Chopped fresh rosemary or thyme leaves

1 can Cannellini beans, drained. ( I used Kidney beans)

1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes, undrained. (I used Italian tomato halves in can)

4 cups diced green and yellow zucchini

1 cup uncooked small tube pasta, ( I used tiny shells)

2 cartons (32 oz each) chicken broth

salt and pepper to taste if desired.

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.

In large (6 quart) stock pot heat oil over medium heat, Add garlic, cook until garlic begins to brown, stir in onions celery and carrots. Cook 8-10 minutes stirring occasionally until veggies are soft.

2. Stir in Rosemary, ( I used Fresh thyme leaves) Beans, tomatoes, zucchini, pasta and broth,

Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes until pasta is tender.

Season with salt and pepper and serve with cheese if desired.

Now this makes a pot full of soup so be prepared to eat it for several days or better yet, have company over and make it a soup party.
I made fresh Challah bread to serve with mine. (recipe somewhere on my blog). It was wonderful. As you know I often get on a NO meat kick. This had no meat but it did have low sodium, organic, chicken broth.
It was delicious. I actually went back for seconds, Not something I usually do.

What did I do with mine? I took a bowl to a friends house with a loaf of bread. I just can not cook for two people so I share a lot. I love sharing and the soup does not go to waste.
In addition we have soup and bread for tonight so dinner is ready.