Minestrone col pesto

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1poundsBorlotti (or pinto) beans
1poundsCannelloni (or white) beans
1mediumRed onion, 1/4 inch dice
2mediumsZucchini, 1/4 inch rounds
4Plum tomatoes, 1/2 inch
Dice
4Stalks of celery, 1/4 inch
Slices
2Potatoes, peeled and halved
2Leeks, cleaned and cut into
½Inch moons
Salt and pepper to taste
4tablespoonsExtra virgin olive oil
6ouncesSmall shells pasta
½cupPesto

Directions

Soak beans separately overnight and drain.

In a large sauce pot, place both kinds of beans, onions, zucchini, tomatoes, celery, potatoes, leeks and olive oil and cover by 1 inch with cool water. Cover pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 1½ hours until beans are tender. Add pasta, turn heat to a boil and cook until "al dente". Divide among bowls and top each bowl of minestrone with a dollop of pesto.

Yield: 4 servings

MOLTO MARIO SHOW#MB5735