Simple Minestrone

Submitted by Mrs. Mike F

"This is an easy budget stretching favorite from our early marriage. It freezes well for Once a Month Cooking, and makes a great big batch. My husband prefers it to never reach the freezer, though--just eat it for lunch until it's all gone. We make it with our "Parsley Pesto" which is more special. To make it vegan/vegetarian, omit the chicken broth."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 35mins
• Ingredients: 15
• Yields: 1 big pot of soup
• Serves: 10

ingredients

• 3 quarts water
• 2 cans chicken broth
• 1 can great northern bean
• 1 1⁄2 lbs cabbage (chopped)
• 4 carrots, diced
• 1 (1 lb) can Italian-style tomatoes
• 1 stalk celery (chopped)
• 2 medium onions (chopped)
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 1 large tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic (chopped)
• salt and pepper
• 1⁄4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 cup broken spaghetti (or desired pasta)

directions

1. Heat water, chicken broth, 2 tsp.
2. salt, beans, cabbage, carrots, canned tomatoes and celery.
3. Cook at a simmer for 30 minutes.
4. In a separate pan, saute onions in oil for 5 min.
5. Add zucchini, tomato, garlic to the saute--cook on low for 20 minutes, covered.
6. Add saute to bean mixture along with parsley and noodles.
7. Cook slowly, covered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. *IfI am going to freeze this, I skip the pasta.

Reviews

[MoreWithLessMom]

Even the carnivore hubby liked this one, very hearty. It could use a punch of flavor but that just means season to your taste. You could also use more broth and less water. I liked the flavor as it was, though.

 

[Pink Princess]

This recipe is excellent - very versatile. In our house everyone likes a different type of chilli (tabasco, chilli flakes, strength of chilli etc etc) and this allows them all to add to taste. Serving sizes are generous - no one went hungry! Will definitely be making this again.

 

[Debbie]

very tasty, could use a bit more flavouring but very good non the less.

 

[chchchchewie]

Followed this recipe as posted, and it came out quite bland...it could be good, but is missing some kind of seasonings...just tasted like watery broth with a hint of watery tomato juice. I had to add some chicken and crackers to make the soup palatable. I froze half of the soup with no pasta, and the zucchini turned to mush. I'd leave that out if you try this recipe and freeze. I'd give this 3 stars because of it's quantity, but on taste it's definitely a 2 star.

 

[Caseylaine]

really good, really cheap, made a ton, froze and reheated okay.. noodles get a little mush, but eh.. no biggie. good flavor.. many ways to change it up to your likeing, very versatile