Minestrone Siciliano

Ingredients:

 

2 Tbls extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion large dice

1 celery stalk large dice

1 carrot, peeled and cut into ½ moon shapes

1 clove garlic thinly sliced

¼ C Prosciutto ends large dice

1 can 28oz san marzano tomatoes roughly chopped

1 Tbls chopped Italian parsley

6 cups chicken stock

Salt and fresh ground pepper

¾ C Arborio rice

4 small zucchini medium dice

2 roasted red peppers

Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano

6 fresh basil leaves chopped

 

Procedure:

 

In a heavy bottomed soup pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat until hot, but not smoking.  Add the anion and cook, stirring for 1 minute.  Lower the heat to low and add the celery, carrots and garlic.  Allow to simmer over low heat until the vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes.  Add the ham pieces and cook a few more minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the tomatoes and parsley and cook for 5 more minutes so that all flavors meld. 

 

Add the hot stock and season with salt and pepper.  Bring mixture to a boil, and add the zucchini and rice.  Bring back to a boil and lower heat so that liquid is simmering.  Let simmer until rice is cooked, about 40 minutes.  Remember to stir occasionally.  Add more stock if needed

 

Add roasted red peppers and remove from heat.  Stir in parmesan to taste and garnish with fresh basil.