Carrabba's Fabulous Minestrone

Carrabba's is one of the few chain restaurants that I absolutely adore.  I always get a huge bowl (not a cup) of their minestrone, along with a meal - and the server always asks:  "Do you know how big our bowl of soup is?"  Yes, and not to worry, I'll eat every bit of it.  Once, our waiter called me Kobayashi.  Hey, I am Little Mommy, Big Appetite, right?
Back to the subject at hand... their minestrone.  Delish.  I came across this copycat recipe online and was so excited to make the soup at home.  Carrabba's twin?  Not exactly, but almost.  I will say, it's one of the best vegetable soups I make though.  Definitely a keeper!  The original recipe was for a huge amount (1 gallon of chicken stock) so, I modified and changed - everything.  Hmmm, maybe that's why it wasn't like Carrabba's!?  Regardless, give it a try ... tis the season for soup and this one won't disappoint!
Best dishes and yummy dreams!
xoxo,

"Copycat Carrabba's Minestrone"

Adapted from: a Food.com recipe

Printable recipe

Serves 6

1 medium sweet onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 stalks of celery, chopped

2 large cloves of garlic, minced or grated

olive oil

2 containers of Swanson chicken stock - about 50 oz.

1/2 container of Swanson beef stock - about 10 to 15 oz.

1 15 oz. can of whole peeled tomatoes, diced with juices (I recommend San Marzano)

3 c. thinly shredded cabbage (use pre-shredded cabbage-only coleslaw bag)

1 15 oz. can of garbonzo beans, drained and rinsed

1 15 oz. can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

2 zucchini, sliced in 1/2 inch thick pieces

3-4 potatoes, peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces

6-8 slices of prosciutto, chopped

1 c. aged Romano cheese, grated

1 tsp. parsley

1/2 tsp. basil

1/4 tsp. salt and pepper

1.  Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven and add carrots, celery, and onion.  Cook until veggies are tender.

2.  Add the garlic and cook a minute longer.

3.  Pour in chicken and beef stock, and diced tomatoes.

4.  Add all beans, cabbage, zucchini, potatoes, prosciutto, grated cheese, and spices. 

5.  Bring to a boil, then lower and let simmer for about 4 hours.  

6.  Top with grated Romano cheese.

Thanks for reading, loves xo