Minestrone Alla Milanese
Instructions:
- 1/4 Cup Olive oil
- 1 Cup Finely chopped onion
- 1 Cup Finely chopped leek; white and light green parts
- 1 Cup Finely chopped celery
- 2 Cup Finely chopped carrots
- 2 Cup Finely chopped cabbage; (preferably Savoy)
- 1 Cup Green beans cut into 1/2−inch lengths
- 1/2 Inch cubes of peeled boiling potatoes
- 1/2 Cup Finely chopped prosciutto; imported or domestic
- 1 Cup Cubes of unpeeled zucchini; (1/2−inch)
- 1 Cup Chopped rinsed fresh stemmed spinach
- 2/3 Cup Chopped fresh or canned tomatoes
- 1/2 Cup Tomato sauce
- 6 Cup Chicken broth
- 3/4 Cup Rice; (preferably short grain Arborio)
- 2 Cup Cooked dried (or canned) cannelini beans
- 1 Tablespoon Chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried
- 2 Tablespoon Olive oil
- 1/4 Cup Minced fresh parsley
- 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Grated Parmesan for garnish; optional
- In a large stock or soup pot, over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, leek, celery, carrots, cabbage, green beans and potatoes and stir for 2 minutes.
- Add the prosciutto, zucchini, spinach, tomatoes and tomato sauce and stir for another 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, bring to a boil and simmer, covered, over low heat for
- Add the rice and beans, and simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Remove the soup from the heat.
- In a small skillet saute the rosemary in the olive oil for 30 seconds. Add this to the soup along with the parsley and cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately. Garnish with more cheese if desired.