ALICE WATERS'S SEASONAL MINESTRONE
Alice Waters often recommends that cooks master a good minestrone. It's communal and seasonal, two pillars on which she has built her cooking career. This summer recipe came from the cookbook that is her top seller: "The Art of Simple Food." It uses the best of the season's green beans, tomatoes and squash. In the spring, fresh peas, asparagus and spinach would make a good vegetable trio, with some fennel standing in for the carrot in the sofrito. In the fall, cubes of butternut squash, a small can of tomatoes and a bunch of kale would star, with rosemary and a little chopped sage instead of thyme for seasoning. Winter might bring a soup built from turnips, potatoes and cabbage. If the turnips have greens, add them, too. Start with a large pot that has a heavy bottom. Always cook the vegetables through, about 10 minutes. They should look good enough to eat on their own. Add the beans about 10 minutes before serving. A cup or two of cooked pasta can be stirred in at the last minute. Don't overcook the pasta. The olive oil and cheese garnish should be added once the soup is in the bowls. Ms. Waters likes to pass those at the table, once everyone is served. Pesto makes a lovely garnish, too, and gives a garlicky, herbal punch to the soup.
Provided by Kim Severson
Categories dinner, for two, lunch, soups and stews
Time 2h45m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Soak the beans overnight in a large pot, covered by several inches of water.
- The next day, simmer the beans 2 hours or until tender. Drain and set aside, reserving the cooking water.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook for about 10 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Add the garlic, thyme, bay leaf and salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes longer.
- Add 3 cups water and bring to a low boil. When boiling, add the leek and green beans. After 5 minutes, add the zucchini and tomatoes. After 15 minutes, add the spinach and beans and cook for 5 more minutes. If the soup is too thick, add water (reserved bean water is good).
- Remove the bay leaf and bare thyme sticks and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Serve in bowls, each garnished with grated Parmesan cheese or pesto.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 187, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 25 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 393 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams
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Benny H King'unza
[email protected]This soup is so easy to make and it's so delicious. I highly recommend it.
Zafar Ali Khaskheli
[email protected]This is the best minestrone I've ever had. I will definitely be making it again.
Anosha Rajput
[email protected]I'm not a huge fan of vegetables, but this soup is so good that I don't even mind.
Nandawula Joanitah
[email protected]This soup is perfect for a cold winter day.
Gordon Galbraith
[email protected]I love the addition of the rosemary and thyme. It really gives the soup a delicious depth of flavor.
Rania Munawa
[email protected]This minestrone is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
game in songs
[email protected]I'm so glad I found this recipe. It's a keeper!
DB Blams
[email protected]This is the best minestrone I've ever had. The vegetables are cooked perfectly and the broth is so flavorful.
Mafe Saude
[email protected]I love this minestrone! It's so hearty and flavorful.
Sawal Khan
[email protected]This soup is so easy to make and it's so delicious. I will definitely be making it again.
Paige Reinert
[email protected]I made this minestrone last night and it was a hit! My family loved it.
Susy Rojas de pas
[email protected]This minestrone is delicious! I love the addition of the rosemary and thyme.
Cheryl Proffitt
[email protected]I'm not a huge fan of minestrone, but this recipe changed my mind. It's so good! The vegetables are cooked perfectly and the broth is flavorful and rich.
Sonia B. Aganan
[email protected]This soup is amazing! I love the combination of vegetables and the broth is so flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.
saima shoshi
[email protected]I've made this minestrone several times now, and it's always a hit with my family and friends. It's so easy to make, and it's always delicious.
Candace Stamper
[email protected]This minestrone is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day. It's hearty and flavorful, and the vegetables are cooked to perfection. I especially love the addition of the rosemary and thyme. It really gives the soup a delicious depth of flavor.