Minestrone

Minestrone in Italian literally means big soup!

A big soup made with vegetables.

There is no set recipe for minestrone, since it is usually made with vegetables that are in season, or whatever you have on hand!

One thing that you always want to remember when you make soup (and homemade tomato sauce), is to put in the pot some olive oil with the onion, celery and carrots first and let it brown a little. 

Then add the rest of the veggies and then the broth. 

This is the "secret" of a very tasty soup!

So that's what I do. Really simple.

I always try to add
beans for protein and potatoes for filling.

My Minestrone today had:

3 carrots

1 onion

1 stalk of celery

3 potatoes

1/2lb of green beans

2 cups of cooked beans

1 can diced tomatoes

Cook for 30 minutes on low/medium heat.

Add oregano or a mix of Italian herbs.

Make sure the veggies are covered with broth and water during the cooking time.

Adjust the salt.

Enjoy with artisan bread 

(this is how I make 5 minutes artisan bread)

Soups are a frugal way to dine...and warm you up too during  a cold chilly night.

The total cost of the veggie used was less than $2.50 

(and I make my broth from scratch...which really costs about nothing)

Stay Frugal,

Daniela