Minestrone Soup

To prepare a delicious and comforting dish, we start by finely chopping the garlic and onion, which will bring an unmistakable aroma. We continue by cutting the celery, carrots, potatoes, green beans, and zucchini. These fresh vegetables will contribute to a rich taste and pleasant texture.

In a larger pot, we heat the oil and butter, adding the bacon cut into small pieces for extra flavor. We let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the butter is completely melted and the bacon becomes crispy. This is the moment when the chopped garlic and onion join the mixture. They are sautéed together for 2 minutes, releasing their flavors and preparing the base for the rest of the ingredients.

The next step is to add the celery, carrots, and potatoes. We keep the mixture on the heat, stirring constantly for 2 minutes so that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. Then, we add the green beans and zucchini, continuing to stir for another 2 minutes. This vibrant combination of vegetables will not only add color but also essential nutrients to our dish.

After the vegetables have cooked a bit, we cover the pot with a lid and let the dish cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Then, we add the chicken broth, which can be replaced with vegetable broth or bouillon, depending on preferences. Finally, we sprinkle the finely chopped basil and slices of parmesan, which will melt slightly in the broth, enriching the flavor.

We let it simmer for 20 minutes for all the ingredients to blend harmoniously. Then, it's time to add your favorite pasta, stirring well to incorporate it. We continue to boil for another 10 minutes until the pasta becomes al dente. Finally, we remove the pot from the heat and prepare to serve this warm delicacy, sprinkled with a bit of fresh basil, which will add a touch of freshness. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or to be enjoyed on cool days.