Meaty Minestrone

1. 1

   Fry bacon in skillet, do not let it get crunchy; add ham and heat until warm.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, drizzle olive oil in bottom of soup pot; add onion, leek, and garlic and begin heating. Remove bacon and ham from skillet and add to pot with onions; cook

3. 3

   until onions are translucent, then add celery. Drain bacon grease from skillet, add sausage and brown, breaking up. Add cooked sausage to bacon-onion mixture. Add beans, tomatoes, beef broth, 1 teaspoon of allspice, and 1 cup wine. Cover and heat to low simmer. Add carrots, zucchini, and cabbage. Reduce heat even more and let stew until about 1 hour before dinner. When you are ready to serve, raise the heat and bring back to boil. Add macaroni, then reduce heat to a simmer. Add more wine, to taste, and water as needed. Simmer until the macaroni is done to your desired texture (according to package instructions). Add salt and pepper, and all-spice to taste.

4. 4

   Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh bread.

5. 5

   This recipe makes a rather condensed soup, add water before heating up/eating.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.