Minestre

An delicious peasant Italian stew (Minestre is a somewhat generic term). I learned this originally from my grandmother over 30 years ago and have modified it over the years. My grandmother actually used pig skin, which unless you buy a whole ham and cut the skin off, I'm not sure where to even get pig skin anymore. Anyway, it's remarkably simple to make but surprisingly delicious considering the simplicity. I make it by eye so I have approximated the quantities of all the ingredients below. Eat with crusty bread.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb smoked ham or 1⁄2 lb turkey breast
• 1  lb  fresh string bean
• 3 -4  large potatoes (russets)
• 3 -4  large garlic cloves
• 1  cup chicken broth
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 -2  teaspoon black pepper, to taste
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2  tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Cut ham (or turkey) into bite-sized cubes.
2. Peel and cut potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
3. Remove ends from string beans and rinse.
4. Peel and chop garlic.
5. Heat olive oil in large pot of medium high heat.
6. Saute meat in oil until lightly browned.
7. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
8. Add string beans, potatoes, thyme, pepper and salt.
9. Add broth and additional water to just cover.
10. Turn heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.