Minestrone Soup

Since it's a public holiday today, decided to do a little cooking. Came across a minestrone soup recipe and gave it a try. Not much cooking needed, but a lot of preparations were required. I used potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, tomatoes and cauliflower. There is no actual need to follow the exact ingredients of the recipe as this minestrone is all vegetables. So can basically add what you like into it. Like I said, preparation time was long as all the vegetables need to be cut into cubes. Took me about 1 hour or so to complete everything and leave the soup to boil and simmer for another hour.

Anyway, it so happened that Chris and BT came by this afternoon for a mahjong session, so luckily the recipe is for 6, and we had the soup for dinner, together with some toasted focaccia bread, and some of Chris' mum's very delicious fried noodles.

Will try this again, with some more other vegetables. It will make a simple and healthy meal. Can cook a big pot to keep for the next day too.

Minestrone Soup (from : allrecipes)

6 servings

Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons margarine
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1 (19 ounce) can cannellini beans
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups cubed potatoes
- 1 quart chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Melt butter or margarine in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots; saute for a few minutes.

2. Add beans, cabbage, tomatoes, tomato paste, potato, stock, garlic, parsley, and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer for approximately 1 hour until vegetables are barely tender.

3. Add pasta, and simmer for 30 minutes more. Correct seasoning, and serve hot with grated cheese.