Recipe: Minestrone with Cabbage and Spinach (Italian)

MINESTRONE WITH CABBAGE AND SPINACH

2 cups finely chopped celery
1 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup finely chopped leek (white and pale green parts only)
1/2 cup dry white wine
9 cups vegetable broth
4 cups diced green cabbage
2 cups diced zucchini
3/4 cup small pasta
3 cups packed, coarsely chopped fresh spinach
1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Combine celery, onion, leek and wine in heavy large pot over medium heat. Simmer until vegetables are tender but not brown, stirring frequently, about 12 minutes.

Add broth and bring to boil. Add cabbage and zucchini and simmer 10 minutes.

Add pasta; cover and simmer until pasta is just tender.

Add spinach and cook 5 minutes. Stir in sliced basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Ladle soup into bowls. Pass Parmesan cheese separately.

Servings: 6