Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 ounces chopped pancetta
1 onion , diced
1 cup diced celery
4 cloves garlic , minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water , plus more as needed
1 can plum tomatoes , crushed fine
1 cup cranberry beans , shelled
2 cups chopped cabbage , or more to taste
1 can garbanzo beans , drained
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes , or to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons salt
1 bunch Swiss chard , chopped
2/3 cup ditalini pasta
salt and ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil , for drizzling
1/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
Minestrone Soup is a popular Italian soup that is known for its hearty and wholesome ingredients. Chef John's version of this classic soup is loaded with nutritious vegetables like celery, onions, and cabbage, which are cooked in a rich chicken broth along with beans, pancetta, and pasta. The soup is seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, giving it a delicious aroma and flavor. This soup is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and is perfect for a warm and satisfying meal during the cold winter months.

Instructions

1.Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2.Add chopped pancetta and cook until crispy.
3.Add diced onions, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until vegetables soften.
4.Add chicken broth, water, crushed tomatoes, cranberry beans, chopped cabbage, garbanzo beans, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and salt.
5.Simmer until vegetables are tender.
6.Add Swiss chard and ditalini pasta and cook until pasta is tender.
7.Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8.Serve hot with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and chopped parsley on top.

PROS

Chef John’s Minestrone Soup is a hearty and filling soup that is perfect for a cold day.

It is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it a nutritious and balanced meal.

This soup is also easy to make and can be customized to your liking.

CONS

This soup recipe is high in sodium due to the use of chicken broth.

However, low-sodium broth can be used instead.

Also, this soup contains pasta and beans which are high in carbohydrates, making it less suitable for low-carb diets.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Chef John’s Minestrone Soup is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
The combination of vegetables, beans, and pasta provides a good balance of macronutrients and micronutrients that promote overall health.
The soup is also low in fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy option.
Swiss chard and cabbage are rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from harmful free radicals.

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