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Minestrone Poverello

17/11/2023

Minestrone Poverello is a simplified version of minestrone that utilizes readily available and inexpensive ingredients. Here is a basic recipe that can be modified according to personal taste and ingredient availability.

Ingredients

  • 200g of dried borlotti beans (soaked overnight) or a can of pre-cooked beans
  • 2 medium potatoes
  • 2 carrots
  • 1 stalk of celery
  • 1 small onion
  • 400g of canned peeled tomatoes or fresh tomatoes
  • 1 zucchini (optional)
  • A bunch of chard or spinach (if available)
  • A handful of small pasta (such as ditalini or tubetti)
  • 1 and a half liters of water or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Prepare a soffritto by finely chopping the onion, carrot, and celery. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil and add the chopped vegetables, sautéing until they are lightly golden.
  2. Add the diced potatoes, zucchini if using, and the chopped chard or spinach.
  3. Add the peeled tomatoes and slightly crush them with the spoon to break them apart.
  4. Drain and rinse the beans if they are dried (and soaked), then add them to the pot. If using canned beans, it’s best to add them towards the end of the cooking.
  5. Cover with water or vegetable broth, bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer gently.
  6. Season with salt and pepper and let it cook for about 1-2 hours on low heat, until the beans and potatoes are soft. Add more water if necessary.
  7. About 10-15 minutes before the end of cooking, add the pasta and let it cook in the soup.
  8. Serve the Minestrone Poverello hot with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and, if you like, a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese.

Curiosities

Minestrone Poverello is an extremely versatile dish that allows the use of leftover vegetables in the fridge, reducing waste. It’s a typical recipe of the Italian home cooking where every family has their own personal variation. This dish is also an example of how Italian peasant cooking can transform simple and economical ingredients into a meal that’s rich in flavor and nutrition.

Minestrone Poverello