Hearty Minestrone

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This hearty soup is full of vegetables, pasta, and a little pancetta. It is fresh, bright, and brimming with flavor!

Prep Time20

Cook Time1 30

Soak Time8

Total Time9 50

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: Basil, Broth, Pancetta, Pasta, Vegetables

Servings:

Author: Nicole

1 ½ tablespoons Kosher salt
2 quarts water
½ pound dried cannellini about 1 cup, rinsed and picked over
1 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces pancetta cut into a ¼-inch dice
2 medium celery ribs cut into a ½-inch dice
1 medium carrot peeled and cut into a ½-inch dice
1 large yellow onion peeled and diced
1 medium zucchini trimmed and cut into quarter-rounds
3 cloves garlic finely minced
½ small head green or savoy cabbage halved, cored, and cut into ½-inch pieces, (about 2 cups)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 piece Parmesan cheese rind about 5 x 2-inches
1 bay leaf
2 cups V8 juice
½ cup dried conchilgliette or other small pasta shells, cooked according to package directions
½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a large Dutch oven, combine the 1 ½ tablespoons kosher salt, water and beans. Bring to a boil over high heat. Remove the pot from the heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse well.
In a large dutch oven, heat the oil and pancetta over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pancetta is lightly browned and fat has rendered, about 3-5 minutes. Add the celery, carrot, onions, and zucchini. Sauté until vegetables are softened and lightly browned, 5-9 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cabbage, and red pepper flakes (if using); continue to cook until cabbage starts to wilt, 1-2 minutes longer. Transfer vegetables to a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.
Add the brined beans, chicken broth, water, Parmesan rind, and bay leaf to the now empty Dutch oven and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a vigorous simmer, stirring occasionally, until beans are fully tender and liquid begins to thicken, 45-60 minutes.
Add the reserved vegetables and V8 juice to the beans and broth. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 15 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and Parmesan rind. Stir in the cooked pasta and basil, then season with salt and pepper. Serve with grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!