Easy Minestrone Soup

They say the first hard frost will be tonight...there's nothing like the hearty minestrone soup Jan Little from Rio Vista Wines contributed to Savoring Chelan to ward off the pending winter chill.

"This easy soup is just bursting with the flavor of fresh vegetables, which can be varied depending on what is seasonally available. If time allows, substitute fresh veggies for canned. My 11 grandchildren clamor for me to make this. What better way for them to get their vegetables?" ~ Jan Little, Rio Vista Winery

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves 12

2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion (about 1 cup), chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (28 oz.) whole tomatoes
1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans
1 can (12 oz.) whole-kernel corn
2 stalks celery (about 1 cup), sliced
2 cups shredded cabbage     (about 1/4 head)
2 small zucchini (about 2 cups), sliced
1/2 cup uncooked elbow macaroni or broken spaghetti
3 cups water
1/2 cup red wine or water
2 teaspoons instant beef bouillon
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
3-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Cook and stir ground beef, onion and garlic in Dutch oven or skillet until beef is light brown; drain. Stir in tomatoes (with liquid), kidney beans (with liquid) and remaining ingredients; break up tomatoes with fork.
Heat to boiling; reduce to medium heat. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until macaroni and vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
Serve in large soup bowls topped with grated Parmesan cheese with the breadstick recipe below.


Recipe Tips
After browning beef, stir in all ingredients except macaroni, cover and refrigerate. 20 minutes before serving, add macaroni and continue cooking.
Substitute any fresh or favorite vegetables that are in season, such as asparagus or carrots.
To make breadsticks to go with the soup, cut a loaf of French bread in half, then into 4-inch long pieces. Cut each piece into 3 sticks. Brush cut sides with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake sticks on ungreased pan at 450˚F until golden brown, about 8 minutes.         Makes 30 bread sticks.