Spring Minestrone Recipes

SPRING GREEN MINESTRONE SOUP

Steps:

• For the soup: In a small food processor, puree 1/4 cup of the butter beans until smooth. Set aside.
• Place a heavy saucepan or stockpot over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. Add the leeks and garlic and sweat until translucent and softened, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the stock, pasta, pearl onions, tomatoes and remaining butter beans. Bring to a simmer and simmer until the pasta is cooked, about 5 minutes. Check the seasoning. Add the haricot vert and cook for another 3 minutes. Stir in the bean puree, spinach, peas and parsley.
• For serving: Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with a small spoonful of pesto, some radishes, cilantro and scallions, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

SPRING MINESTRONE WITH CHICKEN MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Mix chicken, breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, 2 minced garlic cloves, chives, egg, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Form into 1/2"-diameter meatballs (makes about 28).
• Heat oil in a small pot over medium heat. Cook meatballs until golden all over, about 3 minutes (they will finish cooking in soup). Transfer to a plate; set aside.
• Add leek to pot and cook, stirring often, until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves; cook for 1 minute. Add broth and 2 cups water; bring to a boil. Stir in pasta and carrots; simmer until pasta is almost al dente, about 8 minutes. Add meatballs; simmer until pasta is al dente, carrots are tender, and meatballs are cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add spinach and remaining 3 tablespoons Parmesan; stir until spinach is wilted and Parmesan is melted. Season with salt and pepper.
• Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped basil and Parmesan.

SPRING MINESTRONE

Steps:

• In a large soup pot, add oil; heat over medium heat.
• Add in onions and garlic; saute for 5 minutes or until onions are softened.
• Add in the leeks and saute/stir for 2-3 minutes.
• Add in the celery, oregano, fennel, salt and pepper to taste; continue to saute/stir for another 5 minutes.
• Add in vegetable stock; stir and bring to a boil.
• Lower heat, add the zucchini and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add in the white beans and return to a gentle simmer.
• Add in the greens, peas, and asparagus; simmer for about 10 minutes or until tender.
• Right before ready to serve, add the lemon juice or vinegar.
• Ladle soup into individual serving bowls; sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.

SPRINGTIME MINESTRONE

Steps:

• Place the green vegetables in a medium-size saucepan, then pour over the stock. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are cooked through, about 3 mins. Stir in the cooked pasta, beans and 1 tbsp of pesto. Warm through, then ladle into bowls and top each with another drizzle of pesto.

SPRING MINESTRONE WITH KALE AND PASTA

Steps:

• In a heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium. Add shallots and celery and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the ginger, if using, and garlic and stir until very fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add stock and bring to a simmer.
• Stir in pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir in asparagus and peas and cook until vegetables and pasta are tender, about 3 minutes longer. Stir in kale and season with salt and pepper.
• Divide soup among bowls. Swirl in some pesto and top with Parmesan.

SPRING MINESTRONE

Steps:

• Heat oil and cook onion till soft.
• Add carrot and cook 2 more minutes.
• Add stock and bring to boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add tortellini and simmer for 8 minutes.
• Add peas and beans and simmer for 3 minutes.
• Stir in pesto.
• Serve with parmesan and more pesto.