The variety of the vegetables, two kinds of legumes, and the Italian trick of cooking a bit of parmesan rind in the soup for added flavor create a palate-pleasing minestrone miles beyond the bland bean-and-pasta version so often served. The soup is flexible too; add your favorite vegetables or use whatever is bountiful in your garden this harvest. This soup keeps frozen for up to 3 months.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, rinsed thoroughly
- 4 medium tomatoes
- 2 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-in. dice
- 2 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1/4-in. pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups shredded savoy or green cabbage
- 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) chickpeas (garbanzos), rinsed and drained
- 3- to 4-in. parmesan cheese rind
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- About 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan
Preparation
- 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, cut stems from Swiss chard leaves by making a V-shaped cut into each leaf around the stem. Finely chop stems, cut leaves into ribbons, and set both aside separately.
- 2. Boil tomatoes for 30 seconds. Lift out with a slotted spoon and rinse under very cold water. Remove the skin with a paring knife or vegetable peeler. Cut tomatoes into quarters, remove seeds, and chop. Set tomatoes aside.
- 3. Whirl half of cannellini beans with 1/2 cup water in a blender until smooth. Set bean purée aside.
- 4. Cook olive oil and garlic in a large pot over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add carrots, zucchini, reserved chopped chard stems, and salt. Cook, stirring, until stems are tender, about 5 minutes. Add white wine and cabbage. Cook, stirring, until cabbage wilts, 2 to 3 minutes.
- 5. Add reserved chard leaves, remaining cannellini beans, the chopped tomatoes, bean purée, chickpeas, parmesan rind, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook until all vegetables are tender and flavors blend, about 15 minutes. Remove parmesan rind. Serve soup hot, topped with shredded parmesan.
