Quick Minestrone

Quick Minestrone
Jim Wilson/The New York Times
Total Time
1 hour
Rating
5(1,655)
Comments
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Minestrone doesn't have to be a long-simmering project. Adding pancetta means that the soup develops full flavor quickly, and the vegetables stay tender and tasty. To jump-start the recipe, use a food processor to get the soup base going, and then start prepping the vegetables. Canned beans are great for this recipe, but don't use other canned or frozen vegetables here -- the key to a good minestrone is the fusion of the fresh vegetable flavors. —Julia Moskin

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Ingredients

Yield:6 to 8 servings

    For the Soup Base

    • ¼cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 2ounces pancetta, finely chopped
    • 1large onion or 2 shallots, peeled and cut into chunks
    • 1celery rib, trimmed and cut into chunks
    • 1large carrot, peeled and cut into chunks

    For the Vegetables

    • 8ounces baby kale or shredded savoy cabbage (about ¼ of a medium-size head)
    • 2celery ribs, cut into small dice
    • 2carrots, cut into small dice
    • 1medium zucchini, cut into large dice
    • 1(15-ounce) can cranberry, cannellini or other white beans, rinsed and drained
    • 4 to 5canned whole peeled tomatoes, seeded and cut into small dice
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • 1quart vegetable or chicken stock, plus more to taste
    • 2sprigs fresh rosemary, marjoram or oregano

    To Finish the Soup

    • Slice of crusty bread for each serving (optional, see note)
    • Extra-virgin olive oil
    • Freshly shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

323 calories; 16 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 10 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 34 grams carbohydrates; 8 grams dietary fiber; 7 grams sugars; 13 grams protein; 743 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Make the soup base: In a medium-size heavy soup pot, combine the oil and pancetta over medium-low heat to slowly render the fat and cook the pancetta, stirring occasionally.

  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the onion or shallots, celery and carrot. Pulse until finely chopped. Add to pot with cooked pancetta and adjust heat so the vegetables soften and cook without browning, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Add the other vegetables: Stirring after each addition, add the kale or cabbage, celery, carrots, zucchini, beans and tomatoes. Season generously with salt and pepper.

  4. Step 4

    Add the stock and 1 cup water (or, if you prefer a soup that’s not as thick, add additional stock to taste, up to 2 cups). Add the herb sprigs. Cover, raise the heat and bring to a full boil. Uncover, lower the heat to a bubbly simmer, and cook 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper. Remove the herb sprigs.

  5. Step 5

    Serve in bowls, drizzling a little olive oil and sprinkling a big pinch of cheese over each serving.

Tip
  • If using bread, when ready to serve, toast or grill the slices and place 1 on the bottom of each soup bowl. Pour the soup over the bread and let it stand for about 5 minutes before adding the oil and cheese.

Ratings

5 out of 5
1,655 user ratings
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Comments

Perhaps this recipe is for a lighter version of minestrone, but I always like to add a Parmesan cheese rind to the simmering soup.... adds a nice depth of flavor

Cranberry is a variety of bean, often used in minestrone, pasta e fagioli. Sometimes called roman bean or borlotti bean.

Several cloves of garlic and fresh basil add much flavor.

Super tasty! I likely pulsed the base veggies just a little too long, making things just a little creamier, which turned out nice. Toasted Italian bread in the oven with light brushing of olive oil for good measure, which really elevated the dish. Perfect meal to celebrate First Contact Day!

I saw someone online add a handful of pitted olives, which I have just done -- Kalamata. Salt, body. Would anyone know if this is remotely authentic or regional? Just curious.

How many ounces for 4-5 cans of tomatoes?

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Credits

Adapted from Giuliano Hazan

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