Ribollita (a fancy name for gluten free Minestrone Soup)

I made this soup Sunday afternoon after a very cold November Farmer's Market. Our booth was directly across from a vendor selling a beautiful array of fall vegetables.  Next to me, was my friend who sells locally distilled whiskey.  This soup features both: a healthy spread of vegetables and a splash of whiskey.  When serving, I recommend topping with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and a splash of The Furies EVOO.  For a vegan option, skip the cheese but still add the EVOO.  It was truly out of this world!  Wonderful for an afternoon of football or a light Thanksgiving lunch.  

Ingredients:

  • 3T The Furies EVOO & more to finish when serving
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 fennel bulb, trimmed and chopped (I used half of a very large bulb)
  • 2 zucchini squash, quartered lengthwise and cut in 1" chunks
  • 14 oz can of chopped tomatoes
  • 2t frozen fresh basil or 3T fresh basil.  Pesto works too!
  • 1t Greek Mountain Oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4-5 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 can navy or pinto beans
  • 1 bunch swiss chard, chopped or 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2T whiskey (can be omitted, add another teaspoon of vinegar instead)
  • 1t balsamic vinegar
  • salt & pepper to taste

Finishes:

  • 1t EVOO
  • freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Instructions:

  • Heat EVOO in a large saucepan.  Add onions, garlic, carrots, celery and fennel and saute 5 minutes over medium heat.  Add zucchini and cook another 2 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper
  • Add tomatoes, beans, basil or pesto, and vegetable stock, stir in oregano and add bay leaf.  Bring to a boil.  Turn heat to low, add whiskey and balsamic.  Simmer gently for 20 minutes.  Add swiss chard and stir gently to incorporate.  Continue cooking for another 10 minutes.  

To serve:

  • Shave cheese into individual bowls and top with a splash of EVOO.

 

 


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