Soup Base: Pancetta(smoked or regular as prefered), garlic, 1 onion, Cook's Choice herbs -- basil, Italian parsley, sage, oregano, fresh or dried (less if dried), Bardi extra virgin olive oil
Soup: Cook's Choice Vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, escarole, peas, potatoes, spinach, plum tomatoes, zucchini, etc. 1 15-ounce can chick peas, drained 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained Water 1 box of Spinosi iQuadri (small pasta) or large Spinosi pasta broken into smaller pieces Freshly ground black pepper Salt (careful, because you will be adding Parmigiano Reggiano at serving) Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated Good, crusty Italian bread
Preparation
1. In a food processor, process the Pancetta (whole piece, cut into chunks), herbs, garlic, and onion to a purée. This is called a battuto -- "beaten up."
2. Heat enough Bardi extra virgin olive oil to cover the bottom of your soup pot. Cook the battuto in the oil for a few minutes until it smells like heaven and is golden.
3. Add the water, vegetables, chick peas, and beans. Cook for 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables are the consistency you like. It's YOUR soup. Taste it to check for seasoning.
4. Cook the pasta separately. Drain and add to the minestrone.
5. Bring on the bowls and ladle it in. Sprinkle some Parmigiano Reggiano on top.
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