Minestrone Soup

During the winter I love soup.  I make a big batch and freeze half.  I'm so glad I did because this past week we got another batch of cold weather and I thawed out my minestrone and lunch was done for the week

Try it for yourself.

Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

½ lb sweet Italian sausage

1 c. diced  Onion

1 cloved minced garlic

1 c. carrots, diced

1 tsp basil

¼ tsp oregano

2 small zucchinis, diced

1 – 1 lb can Italian tomatoes (diced or stewed)

20 oz beef  stock

1 – 1lb can red or white kidney beans

½ c. rice or barley

½ c. red wine

1 Tbsp oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Brown sausage in oil in a large kettle or stock pot over medium heat.  Add onion, garlic, carrot and basil.  Cook for 5 minutes.  Add zucchini, tomatoes, broth, and oregano.

Bring to boil then simmer for 1 hour. 

Add beans with liquid, rice/barley and wine.  Simmer another 20 minutes or until grain is cooked (note barley will take 30-40  minutes to cook to desired firmness)

Serve with grated parmesan.

Enjoy!