Autum means SOUP TIME!

I've missed a few weeks, sorry! I had to travel to do some cooking in other towns, but now I'm home...and it has cooled off. Cool weather and I immediately think SOUP. Soup tiplifies the best of Italian cooking. Simple techniques that bring out the best of healthy ingredients. Grains, vegetables and legumes are the essentials of most Italian soups. Simple ingredients equal satisfying flavors.

Soups are also a great way to clean out the vegetable crisper or the pantry. Full of flavor and light on labor. Make enough for two meals and you won't have to cook tomorrow. Everything for this recipe (might I suggest all organic) can be purchased at your local Farmers Market.

When in Italy, I make a point of eating soup at least once a day. It’s that wonderful Italian cooking that led me to the following recipe. When you’re shopping pick up some wine and a loaf of crusty Italian bread. Perfect with this soup. I know minestrone sounds boring but try this soup and you will probably dream of Italy and your body will be very happy with you.

MINESTRONE

½ pound each: green beans, savoy cabbage (large stems removed) and carrots

2 leeks, dark green areas removed

1 medium sized celery root (you can substitute a couple of stalks of celery if necessary)

2 onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 ounces pancetta or bacon, chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 bunch parsley

1 bunch of herbs (basil, sage, rosemary, thyme, marjoram)

4 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced

4 potatoes, peeled and diced

12 cups vegetable broth

Cut beans, cabbage, carrots, leeks, celery, onions and garlic into bite sized pieces. Saute pancetta in 2 tablespoons olive oil, add the vegetables and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Add 12 cups vegetable broth, bring to a boil and simmer 2 hours. Add tomato paste, herbs, parsley and ½ cup of red wine (you must have opened a bottle by now!) Simmer for 30 minutes, add potatoes and tomatoes. Simmer for another 30 minutes. Serve with grated parmesean and the crusty bread. Buon Appetito!