Recipe: Morrison's Minestrone (Jane Brody)

MORRISON'S MINESTRONE

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 hot chile pepper or jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
2 large ribs celery, sliced
3 carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise
1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
6 cups beef broth
1/2 pound lean ground beef, browned and fat drained
1 1/2 teaspoons marjoram
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup uncooked small soup pasta
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Hot pepper sauce (to taste)
Grated Parmesan or Romano (for serving)

In large saucepan, heat oil briefly, add onion, hot pepper or jalapeno, celery and carrots. Saute vegetables until onion softens.

Add tomatoes, along with their juices. Bring ingredients to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.

Add beans, broth, beef, marjoram and pepper. Bring soup to a boil and add pasta. Cook 8 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is done.

Remove soup from heat and stir in parsley, lemon juice and hot pepper sauce. Serve sprinkled with grated cheese.

Makes 4 servings
Source: Jane Brody's Good Food Gourmet