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Green Minestrone





Yields
Makes 11 cups; 4 or 5 servings

Prep and Cook Time: about 35 minutes. Notes: Basil and mint make this version of the classic soup especially refreshing. If your sugar snap peas are longer than 2 inches, cut them into bite-size pieces.

 2 quarts fat-skimmed chicken broth or vegetable broth
 1 1/4 pounds leeks (2 or 3)
 2 cups sugar snap peas (8 oz.; see notes)
 1/2 cup tiny dried pasta such as conchigliette or orzo
 1 can (15 oz.) cannellini (white) beans, drained and rinsed
 1 quart baby spinach leaves (4 oz.), rinsed and drained
 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, rinsed, drained, and slivered
 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves, rinsed, drained, and slivered
  Shredded parmesan cheese
Step 1
1

In a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring broth to a boil.

Step 2
2

Meanwhile, trim and discard tough dark green tops and root ends from leeks. Cut leeks in half lengthwise and rinse well under running water, flipping layers to release grit. Thinly slice leeks crosswise. Trim ends from sugar snap peas and remove strings; rinse and drain snap peas.

Step 3
3

Stir pasta into boiling broth, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4
4

Add leeks, peas, and beans to pasta. Return to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until pasta is tender to bite, about 2 minutes longer.

Step 5
5

Stir in spinach, basil, and mint. Cook, covered, just until greens are wilted, about 1 minute.

Step 6
6

Ladle soup into bowls. Add parmesan cheese to taste.

Step 7
7

Wine pairing: The vegetables in the soup call for a crisp, grassy Sauvignon Blanc.

Step 8
8

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

Amount per serving
Calories252
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1.1g2%

Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 286mg13%
Total Carbohydrate 37g14%

Dietary Fiber 8.7g32%
Protein 23g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.