Minestrone (V)

Ingredients

• 3 zucchini, peeled diced
• 8 oz cannellini beans, soaked
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 clove garlic, chopped
• 4 sticks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 small head cabbage
• 4 oz green beans, cut into 1" pieces
• 8 oz tomatoes
• 4 tbs olive oil
• 1 dried red chili
• 6 C water
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 12 oz pasta
• 1 pound fresh basil
• 1 pound fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Sauté Base: In a large pot, heat oil and sauté onion and garlic until onions are soft.
2. Add Vegetables: Stir in celery, carrots, cabbage, and green beans. Drain beans and add to the pot along with tomatoes and chili.
3. Simmer: Add water and bring to a boil. Stir in rosemary and bay leaf, then simmer uncovered ~1½ hrs.
4. Add Pasta: Stir in pasta and cook 10 minutes. Add zucchini and cook 20 minutes more.
5. Finish: Remove rosemary and bay leaf. Season with herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Enjoy hot with crusty French bread and a nice Chianti - preferably with an old friend.

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