Winter Minestrone

cannellini beans

🥗Healthier: chickpeas

💰Cheaper: kidney beans

Chickpeas add protein and fiber, while kidney beans are often less expensive.

pasta

🥗Healthier: zucchini noodles

💰Cheaper: rice

Zucchini noodles reduce carbs, while rice is a budget-friendly alternative.

Start by making a paste with pancetta (optional for vegetarians) and garlic in olive oil.

Add sage leaves, diced onion, celery, and thyme to the pan to create a vegetable paste.

Cook the vegetable paste until fragrant and well combined.

Add peeled canned tomatoes to the soup base.

Pour in 5 quarts of water and bring to a boil.

Add soaked and drained cannellini beans and split peas to the pot.

Season with bay leaves, salt, and pepperoncino.

Let the soup cook for 30 to 40 minutes before adding other vegetables.

Add diced carrots and shredded cabbage to the pot.

Add chopped kale and cubed squash to the soup and let it cook for another 30 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve hot, garnished with grated Grana cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary