Mimi’s Minestrone Soup with Tortellini
A classic that’s creamy, hearty, and can cure about anything
Ingredients
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp butter (I also throw in a scoop of bacon fat)
1 sweet onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 lb sweet Italian sausage (Harmons has the best)
2-3 yukon potatoes, cut into ½ inch pieces
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 zucchini, cut into ½ inch pieces
3-4 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup of heavy cream
2 parmesan rinds
1 tbsp of red wine vinegar
2-3 twigs of fresh thyme
Handful of fresh basil, chopped
1 cup of small pasta, tortellini, or fresh pasta is a great option too
1 can cannellini beans, drained
32oz of quality chicken broth
Salt + pepper
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
Instructions
In a large pot, heat olive oil + butter over medium, add onion, garlic, shallot, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-10 mins until tender.
Next, add the sausage. Cook for 10-15 mins until tender and darken around edges. Halfway through cooking, add spices + salt & pepper.
Add potatoes, add additional salt. Then add tomato paste and canned tomatoes and mix. Cook for an additional 3-5 mins.
Add the broth, parmesan rinds, fresh thyme, and red wine vinegar. Stir & scrap any brown bits off the bottom of pot. Bring to a boil.
Lower heat to simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are somewhat tender but not too soft.
Remove the thyme. Next add zucchini, beans, and heavy cream. Cook for another 10-15 minutes. Everything should be very tender but not falling apart.
Stir in pasta and fresh basil. Cook until pasta is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Serve immediately, drizzle with olive oil and freshly grated parmesan.
** Notes: I use the following Trader Joe’s seasonings: Green Goddess, Ajika Georgian, Black Garlic, & Italian Style Soffritto. I use about 1/2 - 1 tbsp of each seasoning.
