MAIN DISH MINESTRONE (SOUP)

Main dish Minestrone (soup) image

Provided by Deb Crane

Number Of Ingredients 17

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6 Tbsp butter
3 large carrots, sliced
2 medium celery stalks, sliced
2 medium onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium head of cabbage, (about 1 1/2 pounds) chopped into bite size pieces
16 oz canned tomatoes, diced
8 c water
1/3 c equal amounts of dried split peas,barley and rice to equal 1/3 cup total.
2 tsp salt
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp oregano, dried
1/4 tsp pepper
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size chunks
4 beef bouillon, cubes
2 large zucchini, cut into bite size pieces
1/2 c paremesan cheese, grated

Steps:

1. In a large pot, over medium high heat, in hot butter, cook carrots,celery,onions, garlic and cabbage. You will want to carmelize these vegetables, so this will take some time. (at least 20 minutes) The carmelized vegetables are what gives this soup such great flavor, so dont hurry this step! You want the vegetables to brown up a bit, to release the natural sugars. (it is worth the time and rewarded with a very rich flavor!)
2. When the above are carmelized, add the rest of the ingredients except for the Parmesan cheese. Cook over high heat, heat to boiling. Then turn down to low and simmer 30 minutes or until vegetables and rice are tender. Add more water if necessary as the barley and rice can suck up some of the moisture. Serve with Parmesan cheese. Makes about 18 cups. Very low in calories too!