Smoky Minestrone

Classic minestrone is a tasty crowd-pleaser, but this smoky minestrone recipe kicks up the flavor by adding a chipotle puree to give the soup an unexpected and delicious hint of spice. And with leeks, carrots, celery, zucchini, and greens all added to the mix,Smoky Minestrone is a great way to get more vegetables into your diet. We call that a win-win!

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (4 ounces) finely chopped leek
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) finely chopped carrot
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) finely chopped celery
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes
• 4 cups (32 ounces) no sodium added vegetable stock or chicken or beef
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) chipotle puree
• 3 ounces mini egg bows or other small pasta
• 8 cups (8 ounces) escarole/kale/Swiss chard/spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) zucchini, large dice
• 1 (14 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) pesto sauce

Instructions

1. Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the oil and sauté the leek, carrot and celery until softened (about 3 minutes).
2. Add the tomatoes, stock, chipotle and pasta. Break up the tomatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer until the pasta is done (about 10 minutes).
3. Stir in the greens of choice, zucchini, cannellini beans and pesto. Cook until the greens are wilted and the zucchini is softened (about 5 minutes).
4. Taste once more and adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Divide among 6 bowls.

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: National Pasta Association
An exclusive Pasta Fits recipe.