Best Minestrone-Italian Husband Approved!

I'll admit it. I like to make Italian dishes on a regular basis because it's my husband's heritage and there is something in me that wants to prove that I can be a little "Italian" too! This soup, however, has been passed down in my family. My Swedish and Irish family. :) The good news is that it is a favorite among the 4 Italian men in my house and certainly my favorite soup to make because it is easy, easy, easy, but FULL of amazing and authentic flavors! Whip up a big simmering pot on a cold day and watch it vanish!

What You Will Need:

8 Ounces Sweet Italian Sausage (I prefer the Villa Roma brand)

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil

1 Cup Diced Onion

1 Clove of Garlic, Finely Minced

1 Cup Sliced Carrots

1 Teaspoon Dried Basil

1 Large Zucchini Sliced

1 Can Diced Tomatoes with Italian Seasoning

3 Beef Bouillon Cubes plus 1 ½ Cups Hot Water

2 Cups Finely Shredded Cabbage

1 Teaspoon Salt

¼ Teaspoon Pepper

1 Can White Beans, Undrained

Chopped Fresh Parsley

Putting It All Together: 

Pour oil into Dutch oven or deep saucepan over medium heat. Remove sausage from casings by squeezing it by drops into pan and brown the sausage. Add onion, garlic, carrots and basil; cook for 5 minutes. Add zucchini, tomatoes with liquid, bouillon cubes, cabbage, salt and pepper. Bring soup to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Add beans with liquid; cook another 20 minutes. Garnish with the fresh parsley!

(This dish freezes well and tastes fantastic as day old leftovers! It’s a perfect comfort food to take to a friend who needs a little TLC!)

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