Minestrone Ala Milanese

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup finely chopped leek
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 cups finely chopped carrots
• 2 cups finely chopped cabbage (preferably Savoy)
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1/2 inch lengths
• 2 cups of 1/2 inch cubes of peeled boiling potatoes
• 1/2 cup finely chopped prosciutto
• 1 cup of 1/2 inch cubes of unpeeled zucchini
• 1 cup chopped rinsed fresh stemmed spinach
• 2/3 cup chopped fresh tomatoes or 2/3 cup canned tomato
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 6 cups chicken broth or 6 cups beef broth
• 3/4 cup rice (preferably short grain Arborio)
• 2 cups cooked dried cannellini beans (or canned)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (crushed)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• grated parmesan cheese (to garnish) (optional)
• crusty garlic bread (optional)

1. In a large stock or soup pot, over medium heat, heat the 1/4 cup of olive oil.
2. Add the onion, leek, celery, carrots, cabbage, green beans & potatoes & stir for 2 minutes.
3. Add the prosciutto, zucchini, spinach, tomatoes & tomato sauce & stir for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the chicken broth, bring to a boil & then simmer, covered, over low heat for 15 minutes.
5. Add the rice & beans & simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender.
6. Remove the soup from the heat.
7. In a small skillet, saute the rosemary and oregano in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil for 30 seconds.
8. Add this to the soup along with the parsley & cheese.
9. Season with salt & pepper to taste & serve immediately with a crusty garlic bread.
10. Garnish with more grated cheese if desired.

extra virgin olive oil, onion, leek, celery, carrots, cabbage, green beans, boiling potatoes, zucchini, spinach, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, rice, beans, rosemary, oregano, extra virgin olive oil, parsley, parmesan cheese, salt, parmesan cheese, crusty garlic

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/minestrone-ala-milanese-79907 (may not work)