Full Figure Fall

Every fall since I was a teenager I have enjoyed eating as if I were going into hibernation.  Pack on the pounds so that they will carry you over the cold and snowy months to come.  
Unfortunately, unlike the bears and other hibernating animals, I continue to eat throughout the fall and winter months, sleeping as often as possible (don't want to burn off that fat!)

 Then Spring arrives and I am disgusted, dismayed, disappointed.  


In any case, all whining aside,  I love minestrone soup and if it weren't for the bacon, cheese, and pasta this might be a bit of a  figure friendly recipe.






Minestrone

Save the rinds from your Parmesan cheese in the freezer and toss them in to simmer with the soup.

 If you buy blocks of bacon, save those rinds too. Magic.

2 tbsp  Olive Oil

4 slices pancetta or bacon, cut into cubes 

1 Onion, chopped

2 - 3  Carrots, chopped

2 cloves Garlic, minced

2 sticks Celery , chopped

2 tbsp finely minced Fennel Fronds or you can use dill if you don't like fennel

1 1/2 cup  Zucchini  - chopped

1 small bunch Spinach
3 cups canned Tomatoes
1 tbsp dried Oregano
Salt and Pepper to taste

1 Parmesan cheese rind, if you have one,
If you don't have one you should  go to the store and buy some - you will be glad you did.

2 cups Stock - chicken, beef, vegetable - you choose (or water if you hate decision)

1/2 cup Wine (red with beef stock, white with chicken stock, veg stock or water)

1  can Cannellini Beans, rinse and drain (about 1 1/2 cups)

1/2 cup Pasta, Ziti type

Handful fresh basil leaves (quantity depends on your love of basil)
Ingredient quantities and cooking times are flexible - this is soup, not souffle.

Heat pan and add the bacon.  Add the onions, celery, carrots and garlic. Cook until softened, 10 minutes or so.

Add the remaining ingredients up to the wine and simmer  for 10 minutes.

Add the pasta and the beans and cook at a slow boil for 20 minutes.


 Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkled with chopped basil leaves and large crusty roll covered with cream cheese and a big glass of red wine and sit on the couch with a blanket and a book and  wonder if seconds are in order and discover that Yes! they are.


And, the vicious circle continues.