15ouncesCannellini or white Northern beansdrained, rinsed
28ouncescrushed tomatoes
3ouncestomato paste
6-8cupsvegetable broth
1ozParmesan cheese rindabout 1-2"
4cupsfresh spinach
1/2poundcooked pastaI prefer Ditalini or mini shells pasta
Salt and pepper to tastedash of hot sauce *optional*
Fresh parsleychopped for garnish *optional*
Instructions
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pot (at least 6 quarts) over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and celery. Stir to cook veggies until soft - roughly 3-5 minutes.
Add garlic, spices, and wine. Stir to combine.
Add the beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, cheese rind, and broth.
Bring to a boil.
Turn heat to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the spinach and pasta.
Stir until spinach is wilted and simmer 5 minutes to combine flavors.
Enjoy with friends, family, and crusty bread.
Video
Notes
Dice all the veggies the same size so they cook at the same time.
To make the broth creamier, puree half the Cannellini beans with a cup of the broth before adding to the soup.
Need a Vegan version, use vegetable broth and leave out the Parmesan cheese rind. To include the nutty flavor that the cheese adds, replace it with 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast.
If you are missing one of the items, don't run to the grocery store, just use what you have on hand. That's the beauty of Italian minestrone soup!