Minestrone with Sauteed Croutons and Parmigiano-Reggiano

Flag

Flag This Review?

You must provide a reason for flagging this review.

Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.

• Submit

or Cancel

wow! perfect for a cold night- honestly best Minestrone I have ever had. YUM!!! made parm crusted garlic bread with it... made exactly as recipe called and super easy too. leftovers were great also :

Flag

Flag This Review?

You must provide a reason for flagging this review.

Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.

• Submit

or Cancel

So incredibly tasty. I packed a bowl for leftovers to eat for lunch, and ate it by 10am. I couldn't stop thinking about it in the refrigerator! I make a soup about once a week - and this is by far the best pot I've made in a while. It is so hearty and delicious and comforting! Oh...and the croutons. Do not skip this vital step. I wish I could eat another bowl right now! I used spinach instead of chard and think I'll try a little fennel next time.

Flag

Flag This Review?

You must provide a reason for flagging this review.

Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.

• Submit

or Cancel

I have been making this soup almost weekly, and still I love it. I eat it for lunch and it has helped me lose 13 pounds in 2 months! I am not keen on the italian bacon in it, so I don't add it. And although I absolutely love the finish of croutons and cheese, I don't add them every time I have the soup due to calories. Don't skip any of the items, such as the spices, Swiss Chard or parsley, they add depth.

Flag

Flag This Review?

You must provide a reason for flagging this review.

Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.

• Submit

or Cancel

Granted, I left out the pancetta as I was making this for my kosher brother-in-law, and I'm sure that it would have made it taste better, but it would have to be some magical pancetta to transform this soup into something tasty. It tasted just like cabbage and water, with a hint of some herbs. I made myself eat a bowl but no one else in my family would. If you make it, DO NOT leave out the pancetta!

Flag

Flag This Review?

You must provide a reason for flagging this review.

Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.

• Submit

or Cancel

Excellent soup

Flag

Flag This Review?

You must provide a reason for flagging this review.

Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.

• Submit

or Cancel

I loved this soup! The prep time was much longer than 15 minutes with all of the chopping, etc. However, it was well worth it! I'm not much for minestrone soup, but this recipe was delicious, and I'm still eating it a few days later. It's substantial, so it makes a good meal. Don't skip the croutons & cheese. I used whole grain bread and Italian bread to make the croutons, and preferred the whole grain croutons much more. Not only are they healthier, but they had a nice nutty flavor. I also used the whole bunch of chard. This is a great soup to have for leftovers and/or soup.

Flag

Flag This Review?

You must provide a reason for flagging this review.

Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.

• Submit

or Cancel

This was SO good...I made it when both my husband and I were sick - easy, fast, hearty and comforting...chicken broth to help clear your head and cheese and crustons for the yum factor. Ended up making it again the following week so we could enjoy it without our colds!

Flag

Flag This Review?

You must provide a reason for flagging this review.

Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.

• Submit

or Cancel

It needed kicking up , try this enstead .


Ingredients

Sauteed Croutons:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, smashed
6 slices Italian bread, crusts removed and cut into 1/4-inch dice
Salt

Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat, add the garlic and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, to flavor the oil. Remove the garlic, add the bread cubes and toss to coat. Saute until golden brown on all sides, season lightly with salt. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels.

Soup:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large red onion, chopped
2 large stalk celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 large carrot, diced
1/4 pound pancetta, thinly sliced (or plain bacon
1/2 head Savoy cabbage, finely sliced, blanched and drained
1/2 bunch Swiss chard, finely sliced
1 large potato, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 cups chicken stock or broth
1 28 ounce can of Itailian tomatoes & juice
1 or 2 , 15.5 ounce can cooked cannellini beans
8 ounces of frozen spinach
pepper
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 tbsp of Vegetta
1 tbsp Better Than Bouilon chicken boulon
2 chicken boulon cubes
1 tsp ground rosemary
1 tbsp dry thyme
1 very large bay leaf
2 tbsp dry parsley

Heat oil in a 4 quart pot, add the onion, celery, garlic, carrot and pancetta or bacon ( i cooked bacon seperately did not add all the grease and cook until soft. Add everything else . Bring the soup to a near boil and simmer for 40 minutes. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with sauteed croutons and cheese.

Flag

Flag This Review?

You must provide a reason for flagging this review.

Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.

• Submit

or Cancel

oooooooooohhhhhhhhhh, oh jeeze! to die for. My family can't get enough. The homemade croutons are a must! Don't use store bought! Make ourself and you will have the best bowl of soup you could ever imagine!
Go Bobby!
(BTW...I tossed the bread crumbs in olive oil and my favorite fresh chopped herbs w/lots of garlic and baked at ~400degrees for 15min on a sheet pan in the oven till crispy....talk about good!!

Flag

Flag This Review?

You must provide a reason for flagging this review.

Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.

• Submit

or Cancel

Served this at a party and it was a huge hit. The croutons are the best part!