Minestrone

Of the Italian soups, this is one of my favorites.  Its flavor and texture is imprinted in my taste buds and memory.  Cooked it a few nights ago.  Got the recipe from the back  of the cardboard box of my secret ingredient... knorr cubes.  I have cooked it a few times and I am surprised that my younger daughter eats and actually likes it, considering that it is predominantly vegetables.

2 tbsp cooking oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pc medium sized onion, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup ham, cubed
1 pc carrot, cubed
1 pc large potato, cubed
5 pcs medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup Baguio beans, cut into 1/2" length
1/2 cup celery, chopped
3-4 cups water
1 pc bay leaf
1/3 cup tomato sauce
2 pcs. knorr beef broth
2 tbps. knorr liquid seasoning
1/2 cup red or white beans, boiled tender
1/2 cup elbow macaroni, cooked
1 tsp. dried or fresh basil leaves

Saute first five ingredients.  Then add the next three and continue sauteing.  Add water, bay leaf, tomato sauce, knorr cubes and liquid seasoning.  Simmer.  Add beans then macaroni last.  Simmer until cooked.  Add basil leaves last.

For convenience, I use canned tomatoes.  I do not measure the ham anymore.  I just use one half of the 250 gram pack.  I do not add beans because it takes too long to cook them.  I just add when I have canned cannellini beans.  No more cooking.  I use penne instead of elbow macaroni as I always have this in the pantry.

This recipe lacks the boldness and flavor of the minestrone I love.  So I tweak this a little by adding more tomato sauce and yes; knorr seasoning,  to bring out the richness in flavor.