Seasonal Minestrone by Alice Waters

Seasonal Minestrone by Alice Waters

Recipe from: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018898-alice-waterss-seasonal-minestrone

1 cup dried cannellini or other white beans

¼ cup olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

5 thyme sprigs

1 bay leaf

2 teaspoons kosher salt

3 cups chicken stock or water

2-inch piece of parmesan rind

1 small leek, white part only, diced

½ pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths

1 medium zucchini, cut into small dice

2 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped

2 cups spinach, coarsely chopped

grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

pesto, for serving

Soak the beans overnight in a large pot, covered by several inches of water.

The next day, simmer the beans 2 hours or until tender. Drain and set aside, reserving the cooking water.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook for about 10 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Add the garlic, thyme, bay leaf and salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes longer.

Add the chicken stock (or water) and parmesan rind, bring to a low boil. When boiling, add the leek and green beans. After 5 minutes, add the zucchini and tomatoes. After 15 minutes, add the spinach and beans and cook for 5 more minutes. If the soup is too thick, add water (reserved bean water is good).

Remove the bay leaf and bare thyme sticks and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Serve in bowls, each garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and pesto.