Best 3 Genoese Minestrone Recipes

WINTER MINESTRONE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, pancetta, and garlic. Saute until the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the Swiss chard and potato; saute for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and rosemary sprig. Simmer until the chard is wilted and the tomatoes break down, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, blend 3/4 cup of the beans with 1/4 cup of the broth in a processor until almost smooth. Add the pureed bean mixture, remaining broth, and Parmesan cheese rind to the vegetable mixture. Simmer until the potato pieces are tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Stir in the whole beans and parsley. Simmer until the beans are heated through and the soup is thick, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Discard Parmesan rind and rosemary sprig (the leaves will have fallen off of the stem.)
• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve.

GENOESE MINESTRONE

Steps:

• Soak beans in at least 1 inch of water in small saucepan overnight (or boil for 1 minute, remove from heat, and let stand covered 1 hour).
• Cook bacon in large pot over medium heat. Remove all but 2 T. of the fat; leave bacon in pot. Add oil and heat over medium heat. Add garlic and parsley; saute until lightly colored, about 2 minutes. Add onion and saute 1 minute. Add 3 quarts water, the carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, and drained navy beans. Season with salt and pepper. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
• Add cabbage and simmer 20 minutes. Add pasta and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.
• Taste and adjust seasonings. Ladle soup into wide bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan and basil.

GENOESE MINESTRONE WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Soak the borlotti and cannellini beans for 12 hours in cold water to cover. Combine all the vegetables with the oil and salt in a large saucepan. Add cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, cover; reduce heat to moderately low, and cook for about 1 hour, until the beans are tender.
• Add the pasta, turn up the heat and cook until the pasta is al dente. Turn off the heat, add the pesto and stir at once with a wooden spoon. Serve immediately.