Ligurian Minestrone Recipes

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a heavy 4-quart saucepan over med-high heat.
• Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery and cook until they begin to soften, 2-3 minutes.
• Add the potato and zucchini and stir well to combine.
• Stir in the tomatoes and broth, turn the heat to high and bring to a boil.
• Decrease heat to med-low, partially cover the pan, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
• Add the macaroni and cook, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom, until it is tender, about 10 minutes.
• Add the spinach and basil, stir well to combine, and cook 5 minutes longer.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve with cheese.

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan, over medium heat. Add leek, carrots, zucchini, green beans and celery. Cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
• Stir in the stock, tomatoes and thyme. Bring to a boil, then replace the lid, and reduce heat to low; simmer gently for 30 minutes.
• Stir in the cannellini beans with liquid and pasta. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.