Winter Minestra

This beef-based minestra is great for cold winter days. Serve in individual bowls with Parmesan cheese and parsley sprinkled over the top.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 169 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 head cauliflower, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 portobello mushrooms, diced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Crumble the ground beef into a large stockpot set over medium heat. Cook and stir until meat is no longer pink. Drain off excess grease and add the olive oil. Heat the oil and add the garlic and onion; cook and stir until the onion is tender. Add cauliflower, jalapenos, shallot and mushrooms. Season with salt and cook for 8 to 10 minutes to release the water from the vegetables.

Step 2

Pour in the stewed tomatoes and season with red pepper flakes. Stir aggressively to break up the tomatoes. Pour in the beef broth and mixed vegetables and bring to a simmer. Cook until frozen vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.