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Sardinian-Style Minestrone Soup

Sardinian Minestrone Soup

Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski
This Sardinian Minestrone Soup is said to be the Italian recipe for longevity and is vegetarian/vegan.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 brown onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2-3 stalks celery diced
  • 2-3 carrots diced
  • 1 cup of cut green beans or other vegetables optional
  • 6-8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 can cannellini beans drained may substitute great northern or white kidney
  • 1 14 oz can of chopped Italian tomatoes
  • 4 Tbsp mixture of fresh Italian parsley chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • fresh or dried basil oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, and sage or your own concoction to taste.
  • salt and pepper fresh ground to taste
  • red crushed pepper to taste optional
  • 8 oz fresh or frozen baby spinach leaves
  • 2 small zucchini diced into small cubes
  • 4 oz Italian Orzo Pasta or any small shape optional
  • Parmesan grated or shaved

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet
  • Saute the onion, celery, green beans, and garlic in the oil for about five minutes until the onions begin to become translucent. (don't brown)
  • Add to soup pot or slow cooker
  • Add the stock with the drained beans, tomatoes, and all the herbs.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer the soup for about 1 hour.
  • If you use a slow cooker set it on low for about 7 hours.
  • Add the Zucchini, spinach, and pasta and cook to pasta package directions. If using a slow cooker add these ingredients and continue to cook on low for 1 more hour.
  • Serve with a grated or shaved Parmesan cheese and add more black pepper if desired.

Notes

If you add pasta you may need to add more vegetable broth if you like it soupier.
Serve with slice of sourdough, olive, or other fresh made bread.
Using a slow cooker makes it extra yummy and you can leave it alone for hours without having it on the stove.