Classic Italian Minestrone Soupe Paysanne

Minestra ingredients directions makes 8 servings this is a classic minestrone recipe. Classic minestrone always contains swiss chard and red kidney beans. The other ingredients are optional, and are a matter of personal taste or choice. Zucchine, summer squash, broccoli, and cauliflower, just to name a few, work well in this recipe. I learned to love greens as a child. When school was out during the summer, i spent two weeks with my grandparents in the country. My grandmother was a former professional cook, and my grandfather always raised a large garden. There was always vegetables galore to choose from. Kale was my favorite. Kale and swiss chard are in the same family of greens so when i saw a recipe with swiss chard in it, i immediately decided to make it. I also kept the kidney beans from the recipe that i had, but the other ingredients are my own personal choices. This soup has a rich taste that will delight your palate. Make some and enjoy.

Steps

In a large casserole or soup pot , cook the pork fat over medium-high heat until there is some fat in the bottom of the pot , about 5 minutes , stirring constantly.

Then add the potatoes , cabbage , chard , onion , and garlic until the greens are wilted , about 5 minutes.

Pour in the water , bring to a boil , then reduce the heat to low , add the beans , ham or smoked bacon , and tomato , and cook until the beans are tender , 2 to 3 hours.

Add the elbow macaroni and continue to cook until a spoon can stand straight up in the center of the soup , and the pasta is tender--about 15 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper , drizzle with olive oil , and serve.

Ingredients

pork fat, boiling potatoes, green cabbage, swiss chard leaf, red onion, garlic, water, red kidney beans, ham hock, tomatoes, elbow macaroni, salt, fresh ground black pepper, extra virgin olive oil