Vegetable soup (zuppa di verdure)

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
¼cupExtra-virgin olive oil
1largeOnion, coarsely chopped
2Stalks celery, trimmed and coarsely chopped
2Carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
1poundsSavoy cabbage, shredded
Salt and pepper
2cupsShredded romaine or escarole letuce
1poundsPotatoes (3 small), peeled and cubed
¾poundsTomatoes (2 medium), peeled, seeded, and
Coarsely chopped
1quartMeat broth
1cupPeas
cupMinced frewh parsley
2Cloves garlic, minced
6To 8 slices Italian bread, toasted
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Heat the olive oil and cook the onion, celery and carrots until the vegetables are softened. Add the cabbage, salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until the cabbage is wilted. Add the lettuce, season, and cook for 3 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the peas and cook for 5 minutes. Mix the parsley and garlic together and stir into the pot. Cook for 5 minutes.

Place a piece of toasted Italian bread in each soup bowl. Ladle on the hot soup and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Serves 6 to 8.

NOTES: This hearty vegetable soup will benefit from sitting. Do not cut the vegetables too small since the finished soup ahould have a chunky look.

[ "We Called It Macaroni"; Nancy Verde Barr; Knopf; ISBN 0-394-55798-0 ]

Posted by Fred Peters.