Minestrone Soup

It is the first snow of the season today and this is the perfect meal! This is a filling vegetable packed  soup. Hearty and satisfying on a cold evening. A slice of crusty bread and you have a very good meal.

You will need:

• 2 slices bacon/pancetta or smoked turkey
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley and basil combination
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 celery stalks-sliced
• 2 carrots-sliced
• 1 leek
• 5-6 small potatoes - sliced
• 1 litre chicken/beef or vegetable broth
• 2 small fresh tomatoes
• salt/pepper
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning spices
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup orzo or small pasta
• 1 14oz can of white beans - rinsed
• 3 brussel sprouts-sliced
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped basil
• 2 tbsp olive oil

gather all your ingredients. 

Step 1: chop a bit of smoked bacon, turkey or pancetta.

Step 2: puree onion, garlic, parsley, basil and celery stalks in food processor.

Step 3: add to a large pot with olive oil bacon and saute 10 minutes.

Step 4: add sliced carrots, leeks, potatoes and cook another 5 minutes.

Step 5: add chicken broth.

Step 6: puree tomatoes in food processor.

Step 7: add tomatoes, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Cook 

Step 8: rinse beans, chop brussel sprouts, kale and more basil and parsley. I placed herbs in a small bowl with some a bit more great extra virgin olive oil. 

Step 9: in the last 10 minutes before serving add remaining ingredients. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.

Prepare to feel warmed!!