Using the methods below, apply the techniques to Italian Minestrone, a simple soup with equal proportions of vegetables and broth. In Italy, Minestrone changes from region to region and season to season. This recipe is a guide. Use what you have and what you like.

Spring & Summer:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 oz. pancetta scraps, minced

• 4 to 8 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed or chopped

• 3 medium leeks (white and light green part), sliced thinly

• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced or diced

• 1 cup celery root or celery, diced or sliced

• 4 medium new potatoes, large dice

• 1/2 pound green beans in 1-inch pieces

• 1 piece of parmesan cheese rind

• 1 - 15 oz. can Italian plum tomatoes and juice, crushed by hand

• Chicken broth or water

• 3 cups savoy cabbage or swiss chard, chiffonade (cut like thin ribbons)

• 2 small zucchini, large dice

• 2 cups pre-cooked white beans

• 1/2 cup dry pasta (use odds and ends of pasta from your pantry)

• Good olive oil

• Minced parsley

• Crostini & grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed stock pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté pancetta and garlic until fragrant. Stir in the carrots and celery root and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the leeks and sweat the aromatic vegetables with the lid on until they are translucent. Season lightly.   

Add potatoes, green beans, parmesan rind and tomatoes with their juice. Add chicken stock or water just to cover the vegetables. Simmer 30 minutes or until veggies are tender. Skim any impurities that rise to the surface.

Add the cabbage, zucchini, beans and pasta if using. Simmer for 15 minutes or to taste. Turn off the heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and drizzle with olive oil. Top with bread, cheese and minced parsley.

In Winter replace summer vegetables with:

• 1 lb. winter squash like butternut

• 2-3 parsnips

• Use kale instead of swiss chard or cabbage

For a thicker soup, remove two cups of soup with veggies and purée in a blender. Add the mixture back into soup.

Bon Appétit!