I’m back from my whirlwind European vacation! Even though touring foreign cities with three boys under the age of 8 proved to be a little exhausting and stressful at times, we sure had an amazing adventure. And, we certainly ate well! After weeks of pasta, pizza, wine, cappuccinos, gelato and more wine, I was incredibly grateful to return to my kitchen. I actually even think the boys were super appreciative to be back to some home cooking. After 5 loads of laundry, I eagerly hit up the farmers market and made this big pot of veggie soup. You are going to love this classic summer minestrone. It is easy, clean, light and chock full of all those delicious summer veggies we all love. Make a big pot as this soup stores for a few days and just gets better over time. Enjoy!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into ½ inch pieces
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into ½ inch pieces
- kernels from two raw ears of corn
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- fresh ground pepper
- 1 15-ounce can whole tomatoes or 5-6 large tomatoes
- 1-quart chicken or vegetable stock
- parmesan cheese for topping
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and saute until soft, about five minutes.
- Add garlic and cook another 2 minutes.
- Add carrots, celery, zucchini, corn, fresh herbs, salt and pepper and saute another 5-10 minutes, until vegetables are soft. Add a splash of water if pot gets too dry.
- If using fresh tomatoes, remove skins by placing tomatoes in boiling water for 2 minutes. Cut each tomato in half, gently squeeze out seeds and chop. Add to pot. If using canned tomatoes, add tomatoes and juice to the pot, breaking apart tomatoes with your hands.
- Add chicken stock and bring soup to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook, partially covered for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into big soup bowls, top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve.
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