Best 2 Minestrone Ala Milanese Recipes

Minestrone alla Milanese is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter's day. Originating from the Lombardy region of Italy, this traditional dish is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, and is typically made with a rich broth. This classic Italian soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, with many variations existing throughout the country. Some common ingredients used in Minestrone alla Milanese include carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, and borlotti beans. Additionally, various types of pasta can be added, such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells. The soup is often seasoned with garlic, rosemary, sage, and Parmesan cheese, giving it a distinctly Italian flavor. With its colorful ingredients and robust broth, Minestrone alla Milanese is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up on a chilly day. This article features three delectable recipes for Minestrone alla Milanese, each with its own unique twist. The first recipe is a classic version of the soup, made with a rich chicken broth and a variety of vegetables. The second recipe adds a bit of spice with the addition of chili peppers, while the third recipe is a vegetarian version made with vegetable broth. No matter which recipe you choose, you're sure to enjoy this hearty and flavorful Italian soup.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MINESTRONE ALLA MILANESE ~ SLOW COOKER

Minestrone alla Milanese ~ Slow Cooker image

Throw this in your Crock Pot ~ Nice hot minestrone soup, lots of veggies in it ~ love it!

Provided by Carol Junkins @CarolAJ

Categories Vegetable Soup

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

2 can(s) (14 1/2 oz) each of reduced-sodium beef broths
1 can(s) (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup(s) diced potato
1 cup(s) coarsely chopped green cabbage
1 cup(s) coarsely chopped carrots
1 cup(s) sliced zucchini
1/4 cup(s) chopped onion
3/4 cup(s) sliced fresh green beans
1/4 cup(s) coarsely chopped celery
1/4 cup(s) water
2 tablespoon(s) olive oil
1 clove(s) garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon(s) dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon(s) dried rosemary
1 - bay leaf
1 can(s) (15 1/2 oz) cannelini beans, rinsed and drained
- grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

Combine all ingredients except cannelini beans and cheese in slow cooker, mix well.
Cover and cook on LOW 5-6 hours Add cannelini beans. Cover and cook on LOW 1 hour or until vegetables are crisp tender. Remove and discard bay leaf. Garnish with cheese, if desired.

MINESTRONE

Minestrone image

A classic Minestrone recipe.

Categories Soup/Stew Bean Leafy Green Pork Tomato High Fiber Kale Zucchini Fall Gourmet

Yield Makes about 10 cups, serving 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1/2 pound (about 1 1/4 cups) dried white beans such as Great Northern, picked over and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 pound pancetta (Italian cured pork belly, available at Italian markets and specialty foods shops) or sliced lean bacon, chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 large carrot, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 rib of celery, cut into 1/2-inch dice
3 garlic cloves, chopped fine
2 zucchini, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/4 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 pound boiling potatoes
4 cups shredded green cabbage (preferably Savoy)
1/2 pound kale, rinsed, drained, stems discarded, and the leaves chopped (about 6 cups)
a 28-ounce can tomatoes, chopped coarse and drained well
4 1/2 cups chicken broth (preferably low-salt)
freshly grated Parmesan, garlic bruschetta , and dry-cured sausages as accompaniments

Steps:

In a large bowl let the white beans soak in enough water to cover them by 2 inches overnight or quick-soak them. Drain the white beans, in a saucepan combine them with enough water to cover them by 2 inches, and simmer them, uncovered, adding more water if necessary to keep them barely covered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender. Add the salt and simmer the white beans for 5 minutes more. Remove the pan from the heat and let the white beans stand, uncovered.
In a heavy kettle cook the pancetta in the oil over moderate heat, stirring, until it is crisp and pale golden, add the onion, and cook the mixture, stirring, until the onion is softened. Add the carrots, the celery, and the garlic and cook the mixture, stirring, for 4 minutes. Add the zucchini, the green beans, and the potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch dice, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 4 minutes. Add the cabbage and the kale and cook the mixture, stirring, until the cabbage is wilted. Add the tomatoes and the broth and simmer the soup, covered, for 1 hour.
Drain the white beans, reserving the liquid, in a blender or food processor purée half of them with 1 cup of the reserved liquid, and stir the purée and the remaining white beans into the soup. Simmer the soup, uncovered, for 15 minutes, thin it if desired with some of the remaining reserve liquid, and season it with salt and pepper. The soup may be made 3 days in advance and kept covered and chilled. Reheat the soup, thinning it with water as desired. Serve the soup with the Parmesan, the bruschetta, and the sausages.

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, seasonal vegetables, a flavorful broth, and high-quality pasta will make all the difference in your minestrone.
Don't overcrowd the pot: If you add too many vegetables to the pot, they will not cook evenly and the soup will be watery. Add the vegetables in batches if necessary.
Simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes: This will allow the flavors to meld and develop. You can simmer the soup for longer if you have time.
Season the soup to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a bit of brightness.
Garnish the soup with fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, or chives will add a pop of color and flavor to your soup.

Conclusion:

Minestrone alla milanese is a hearty, flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this soup is a great option for beginner cooks. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, give minestrone alla milanese a try. You won't be disappointed!