Recipe:Teresa B’s Minestrone Soup -A Recipe to Be Used When the Time Calls for Sharing, Celebrating or Sympathy

There are times in life when you may want to help out friends and family who are facing challenging situations.  The challenges may include when someone is hospitalized or when condolences are in order.  It is during the rough times that folks often pitch in and help out those in need in a variety of ways. 

Many times it is the simple act of providing a meal for the person or family who is finding that life has been turned upside down from such things as the birth of a new little one or when a family member is ill or a death has occurred.  It is at this time that emotions run high and there is little time for the people involved in the life changing event to prepare meals.  This is where the help of others is often a welcomed sight.  The question often is –what to make and send to the family in need?

Keep in mind that often the family is filled with a range of emotions and this can mean that appetites aren’t as hardy as usual so a lighter menu may be in order. One item that can be easily prepared and shared is minestrone soup. The recipe below is one that I have firsthand knowledge of as a recipient during a family crisis. It was during the hospitalization and subsequent death of my mother that my family was introduced to Teresa B’s minestrone soup. The soup was lovingly prepared by our friend (Teresa B). Not only was it delicious, but there was quite a bit of it and we were able to freeze some and use it several weeks later.

I now frequently use the recipe (especially during the fall and winter) as a hearty dinner for my family as well as to prepare it for others when a situation arises. Whenever I make the soup I think back to the time when I first met “Teresa B’s minestrone soup” and I recall the warmth and love that went into preparing it for my family.  Perhaps you too will find the soup not only delicious and easy to prepare, but a loving way to help others while they are facing challenging times.  You may also want to keep Teresa B’s minestrone soup recipe in mind if you are headed to a potluck meal as this recipe is easy to make, is “food allergy friendly” and “travels well”.

¼ lb. Canadian bacon chopped (optional)

1 cup water

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil (or extra virgin olive oil)

1 Tablespoon margin or butter (optional)

1 large onion chopped (1 cup)

2-3 large carrots, sliced

2-3 large celery, chopped

2 medium zucchini, unpeeled, diced

1 16 oz. jar red cabbage (Aunt Nellie’s is a good choice)

1 16 oz. can plum tomatoes, chopped

1 can (14.5 oz.) beef broth or 2 beef bouillon cubes and 2 Cups water

1 15 oz. can kidney beans

1 15 oz. can Great Northern beans

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated parmesan cheese, to taste for garnish

If using the bacon: cover chopped bacon with two cups of the water and simmer for five minutes. Drain. Add the bacon at the same time you add the onion, and then proceed as follows.

In a large pot heat oil and margarine/butter over medium high heat, add onion and sauté until tender, (about three to five minutes).  Add carrots, celery, zucchini and cabbage and cook two minutes.  Add tomatoes, salt and pepper. Add broth and a cup of water or enough to cover vegetables one inch.  Cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer for two hours, adding beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking time.

Sprinkle with parmesan and serve. Couple the soup with warm bread for a great taste.

Makes eight to ten servings