Minestrone Soup
Fuel Your Body with Hearty Worker’s Soup: A Taste of European Comfort
When the weather turns chilly, or you need a truly satisfying meal after a long day, nothing beats a bowl of hearty soup. Our Hearty Worker’s Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition, inspired by the robust flavors of European home cooking. This isn’t a delicate, refined soup – it’s built to nourish, to warm, and to leave you feeling wonderfully full.
This soup is a celebration of simple ingredients, transformed into something truly special through slow simmering and careful layering of flavors. The salt pork provides a rich, savory base, while the vegetables contribute sweetness and texture. The addition of kidney beans and macaroni makes it a complete meal in one pot!
What makes this soup special?
- Depth of Flavor: The combination of salt pork and long simmering creates a deep, complex flavor that you won’t find in pre-made soups.
- Nourishing & Filling: Packed with vegetables, beans, and carbohydrates, this soup will keep you energized for hours.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Adaptable: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
Tips for the Best Hearty Worker’s Soup:
- Don’t skimp on the simmering time: The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Use good quality beef stock: This is the foundation of the soup, so choose a stock that you enjoy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential, but don’t be afraid to add other herbs or spices to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use bacon instead of salt pork? Yes, bacon can be substituted, but it will impart a smokier flavor. Reduce the amount of salt added, as bacon is already salty.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Omit the salt pork and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock. You may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to compensate for the richness of the pork.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- What kind of macaroni is best? Elbow macaroni or ditalini work well, but you can use any small pasta shape you prefer.
- Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Potatoes, parsnips, or turnips would be delicious additions.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and satisfying Hearty Worker’s Soup as much as we do! It’s a perfect meal for a cold evening, a family gathering, or simply a cozy night in.
Hearty Worker's Soup
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb salt pork
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 medium Spanish onion
- 2 quarts beef stock
- 4 carrots
- 4 stalks celery
- 1/2 small cabbage
- 4-6 tomatoes
- 1/2 lb green beans
- 1 large can red kidney beans drained
- 4-6 oz macaroni about 6 handfuls
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- to taste freshly ground parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Dice salt pork and sauté in a thick-bottomed soup pot until brown.
- Finely chop garlic, cut onion into large chunks, and sauté with pork until golden.
- Add beef stock and simmer gently with finely sliced carrots and celery.
- Slice cabbage, tomatoes and green beans in fairly large pieces. Add to soup and bring to boil.
- Cover and simmer for 90 minutes.
- Twenty minutes before serving, add drained kidney beans and macaroni. Bring to a boil and simmer until macaroni is tender.
- Just before serving, add the parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese over individual servings.
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