Nonna's Minestrone

Today marks the first day of my vegetarian challenge. I was all set to make sweet potato enchiladas, but my little sister (and current live-in house guest) surprised me with a pot of my Nonna Sera's homemade minestrone. Minestrone is a traditional Italian dish and literally means "big soup"(cute eh?). There is no set recipe for this soup as it's usually made with whatever seasonal vegetables are on hand.

At one point or another, both my two younger sisters and I have lived with my Grandmother; and since minestrone is one of the cornerstones of Italian cooking, we were treated to this hearty meal at least once a week. There really isn't anything like walking into your house and being hit with the distinct smell of this "big soup" simmering away.

Nonna's Minestrone

1  8oz can chopped tomato (or if you're lucky, 1 jar of Nonna's canned tomatoes)

3 cups water

2 zucchini

1 large onion

1 can red kidney beans

1 large potato

3 stalks celery

3 large carrots

2 cups green beans

1 clove garlic

4-5 fresh basil leaves

orzo pasta (or whatever pasta you have on hand)

salt and pepper to taste

Chop your veggies and combine all ingredients in a large pot.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium letting the soup simmer for about an hour.  Add your orzo about 15-20 minutes before you are ready to eat!