Minestrone

By: Joaquin Fernandez (@Joaqertxranger)

Minestrone. Picture taken by the chef

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 lb bacon chopped
• 1/4 lb ham diced
• 1/2 cup each:
• tomato paste
• diced red pepper
• diced onion
• diced carrot
• 2 tablespoons each:
• Butter
• flour
• balsamic vinegar
• smashed garlic 
• 1 tsp each:
• Salt
• pepper
• oregano
• garlic powder
• chili powder
• paprika
• 1 can beans (I like cannelloni or gigandes) 
• 1 cup spinach 
• 1 cup cooked pasta (I like shells or fregula, something that fits on a spoon)
• 1/2 cup each: 
• hard cheese (parm is best, shredded or flaked) 
• chopped parsley and basil 
• 1/2 gallon stock (any)

INSTRUCTONS:

• Cook bacon on med/high heat
• When bacon is halfway done, add diced veg and ham. Cook until onion is translucent. 
• Reduce heat to mid. Add tomato paste, Butter, flour, balsamic vinegar, smashed garlic, and spices 
• Cook while stirring until it becomes a paste
• Add herbs and cheese Stir in 1/2 the stock. 
• Add spinach until wilted
• Add rest of stock. Once incorporated, add beans and pasta. 
• Simmer 20 minutes on low, stirring occasionally.