Real Italian Minnestrone Soup Recipe

Here is the best recipe from Italy for homemade Minnestrone. (This one is not vegetarian)

1/3 c. navy beans

1 proscuitto bone

1 whole garlic clove

1 small white onion

4 cups water

1/4 c. olive oil

1 sliced onion

1 minced garlic glove

1 diced carrot

1 diced celery stick

2 diced zucchini

1 c shredded red cabbage

1 cup pasta (good with ditalini but can use any shape)

4 c. beef broth

1/3 c. canned Italian plum tomatoes, chopped with their juice

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Combine beans, prosciutto bone, whole garlic, small onion and water. Cover, bring to boil and simmer 1 1/2 - 2 hours - adding water as needed. Remove bone and scrape off any excess meat. Discard garlic and onion. Set beans and their liquid aside.

2. Saute sliced onion and minced garlic in oil, until onion turns deep gold. Add stock, bring to boil and add vegetables. Cook 10 minutes.

3. Add beans, their liquid and pasta. Boil until pasta is tendter.

4. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper. Stir. Simmer short wile and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Serves: 6