Simple Minestrone

This is another recipe to make use of whatever vegetables you have on hand. Last week, we got broccoli rabe, winter squash, green beans and tomatoes from our CSA. I used a little bit of everything, and also threw in some leftover rice from the fridge. This recipe is definitely just a loose guideline-- throw in whatever you have at home, and don't worry too much about the measurements. Any greens would work well, but for things like broccoil rabe and kale, par-boiling takes away some of the bitterness. I made this recipe in less than 40 minutes. Super simple, quick and delicious.

Simple Minestrone

makes 4 biggish bowls
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups diced winter squash (I used Kobacha)
1 cup of peeled, diced tomatoes (or sub canned)
2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
1/2 cup chopped green beans
1 ear corn, off the cob
small bunch of broccoli rabe, plunged into boiling water for about 2 minutes
1 can small navy beans
1/4 tsp of cinnamon
lots of freshly ground black pepper

Saute the onion and carrot in a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Cook for a few minutes before adding the garlic. Add the tomatoes, vegetable broth, and broth. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and cook for another 10 minutes. This soup will be very chunky and almost stew-like (which I love) but feel free to add more water or stock.