Minestrone

Ingredients

• 2 slices bacon (or 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 ounce pancetta), chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery rib, including leaves, chopped
• ½ small head green cabbage, chopped
• Hide ingredients for 10 cups Poultry Stock, Chicken Broth, water, or a combination 1 10 cups Poultry Stock, Chicken Broth, water, or a combination (opens in new tab) 10 cups Poultry Stock, Chicken Broth, water, or a combination
  • 4 to 5 ½ pounds poultry parts, preferably backs, necks, wings, and feet
  • 1 unpeeled onion, coarsely chopped
  • 1 carrot, coarsely chopped
  • 1 celery rib, coarsely chopped
  • 3 or 4 sprigs parsley
  • 2 or 3 sprigs thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • (1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves)
  • ¼ teaspoon white or black peppercorns
  • (2 whole cloves)
  • Cold water to cover

  Sub-recipe steps

  1. Combine in a stockpot: 4 to 5 ½ pounds poultry parts, preferably backs, necks, wings, and feet; 1 unpeeled onion, coarsely chopped; 1 carrot, coarsely chopped; 1 celery rib, coarsely chopped; 3 or 4 sprigs parsley; 2 or 3 sprigs thyme; 1 bay leaf; (1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves); ¼ teaspoon white or black peppercorns; (2 whole cloves)
  2. Add: Cold water to cover
  3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 4 hours. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour of cooking and add water as needed to keep the ingredients covered. Strain and cool uncovered, then refrigerate covered. Skim off any fat before storing or using. Use within 4 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
• One 15-ounce can cannellini or other white beans, drained and rinsed, or 1 ½ to 2 cups cooked white beans, half of them mashed
• One 14 ½-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• One 4-inch sprig fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• (1 Parmesan rind)
• 1 cup elbow macaroni or orzo (4 or 6 ounces, respectively)
• 3 chard leaves, chopped
• Salt and black pepper
• A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, basil, or a combination
• (Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese)