Minestrone alla Romagnola

The time it takes to cut each vegetable is just about the time required to wait before adding it to the soup. This soup should last about a week in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It is better reheated after sitting over night.

Step 1: Soak the zucchini in a large bowl of cold water for at least 20 minutes, then rinse, clean away any grit, trim both ends and dice.

Step 2: Put oil, butter, and sliced onions into a stock pot large enough to hold all of the ingredients. Turn on heat to a medium-low. Cook the onions in an uncovered pot until they start to turn a pale gold.

Step 3: Add the carrots and cook for 2 or 3 minutes, stir once or twice. Then add the celery, stirring occasionally, for 2 or 3 minutes. Add the potatoes repeating the same procedure.

Step 4: While the carrots, celery, and potatoes are cooking, soak the green beans in cold water, then rinse them, snap off both ends and dice them and add to the pot. Stir occassionally and then add the zucchini.

Step 5: After a couple minutes add the shredded cabbage. Cook for another 5 or 6 minutes and then add the broth and water, the cheese crusts, the tomatoes with their juice, and a little salt. Cover the pot, reduce the heat and cook at a slow, gentle bubble.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh zucchini
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup onion slice very thin
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 cups peeled, diced potatoes
  • 1/4 pound fresh green beans
  • 3 cups shredded savoy or regular cabbage
  • 15 oz.can cannellini beans
  • 2 cups beef broth plus 4 cups of water
  • 2/3 cup of canned imported Italian plum tomatoes, with their juice
  • salt
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated prmigiano-reggiano cheese

    Step 6: When the soup has cooked for 2 1/2 hours, add the drained, cooked cannellini beans, stir well, and cook for at least another 1/2 hour. Minestrone should be thick, but if it's too thick add a little water. When the soup is done take out the cheese crust and stir in the grated cheese. Grate fresh cheese on top of each bowl when serving.