Squash And Bean Minestrone
- 2 smoked ham hocks (about 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1 pound dried navy or cannellini (white kidney) beans
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 leeks, white and pale-green parts only, finely chopped
- 2 small celery stalks with leaves (from celery heart), chopped
- Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 butternut squash (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, cut into 1/2" pieces
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed, cut into 1" pieces
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound small pasta (such as tiny shells or pipette)
- 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided
- 2 bunches flat-leaf spinach, thick stems removed
- (for serving)
- Remove meat from ham hocks and cut into large pieces; set meat aside. Place navy beans and ham bones in a large pot; add cold water to cover by 2". Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 1 hour.
- Heat 1/4 cup oil in another large heavy pot over medium-low heat. Add ham hock meat, onion, leeks, celery, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 20 minutes.
- Add squash, green beans, navy beans and soaking liquid, broth, and bones to pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; reduce heat to low, cover, and gently simmer until navy beans are tender, 1 1/2-2 hours.
- When soup is almost finished cooking, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil and add 1/4 cup parsley and toss to coat.
- Discard ham bones. Add spinach and remaining 3/4 cup parsley to soup.
- Divide soup among bowls. Add pasta, top with Arugula Salsa Verde, and drizzle with oil.
- DO AHEAD:
ham hocks, beans, olive oil, onion, leeks, celery, kosher salt, garlic, butternut, green beans, chicken broth, pasta, parsley, flatleaf spinach
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/squash-and-bean-minestrone-51193630 (may not work)