Quick Fall Minestrone

Photography: Randy Mayor; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke
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Make the most of fall produce like butternut squash and kale in this hearty vegetarian soup. Pasta and beans make it especially filling.
Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups soup and 1 tablespoon cheese)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 1/2 cups (3/4-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash
- 2 1/2 cups (3/4-inch) cubed peeled baking potato
- 1 cup (1-inch) cut green beans (about 1/4 pound)
- 1/2 cup diced carrot
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1/2 cup uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
- 1 (16-ounce) can cannellini beans or other white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 2 1/2 minutes or until tender. Add broth and the next 7 ingredients (broth through salt); bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes. Add kale, orzo, and beans; cook 5 minutes or until orzo is done and vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with cheese.
Nutritional Information
- Calories:
- 212 (21% from fat)
- Fat:
- 5g (sat 1.6g,mono 1g,poly 1.2g)
- Protein:
- 9.6g
- Carbohydrate:
- 36g
- Fiber:
- 3.9g
- Cholesterol:
- 5mg
- Iron:
- 1.9mg
- Sodium:
- 961mg
- Calcium:
- 164mg
Member Ratings and Reviews
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I made this soup for my book club group. A very good soup. I really liked the butternut squash which I had never cooked with before. The orzo was also a very nice addition. I would definitely make this soup again. I made the day before and re-heated/served this soup from a crock pot.12/31/09
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I agree with most the comments. Overall, loved the soup as did my husband (though, he wanted a little meat). I also added the tomato paste at the end recommended by someone else's post and I am glad I did. Served with warmed Garlic Loaf I bought. Did take a while to chop up all the veggies but a little teamwork got the job done.11/22/09




