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Recipe
Minestra Sporca with a Twist
Savory Italian Comfort: Minestra Sporca Reinvented
4.4 out of 5
Minestra Sporca is a traditional Italian dish that embodies the heartiness and simplicity of Italian cuisine. This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic, elevating it with a burst of flavors and textures.
Metadata
Preparation time
15 minutes
Cooking time
30 minutes
Total time
45 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Vegan (omit pancetta/bacon and use vegetable-based Parmesan alternative), High-fiber, Low-fat, Gluten-free (using gluten-free pasta)
Allergens
Pork (pancetta/bacon)
Not suitable for
Paleo, Keto, Dairy-free (due to Parmesan cheese)
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
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4 ounces (113g) pancetta or bacon, diced 4 ounces (113g) pancetta or bacon, diced
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1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
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2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
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1 cup (150g) kale, chopped 1 cup (150g) kale, chopped
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1 can (14 ounces/400g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (14 ounces/400g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
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4 cups (960ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (960ml) vegetable broth
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1 cup (240ml) crushed tomatoes 1 cup (240ml) crushed tomatoes
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1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
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Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup (100g) whole wheat pasta, such as fusilli or penne 1 cup (100g) whole wheat pasta, such as fusilli or penne
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Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 8g
- Salt: 1.5g
Preparation
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1.In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy.
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2.Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
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3.Stir in the carrots, celery, and kale, and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
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4.Add the cannellini beans, vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
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5.Meanwhile, cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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6.Remove the bay leaf from the soup and add the cooked pasta. Stir well to combine.
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7.Serve the Minestra Sporca hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Pancetta/Bacon — For a healthier option, choose lean pancetta or turkey bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute with smoked tofu or tempeh for a smoky flavor.
- Whole wheat pasta — Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the dish. Cook it al dente to maintain a pleasant texture in the soup.
Tips & Tricks
- To enhance the flavor, sauté the vegetables until they develop a slight caramelization.
- For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans before adding them to the soup.
- Customize the soup by adding other vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences by adding more herbs or spices.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more, making it even more delicious the next day.
Serving advice
Serve the Minestra Sporca with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
Presentation advice
Present the Minestra Sporca in rustic bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it alongside a colorful salad to create an appealing contrast.
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