Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped (1 cup)
- 2 carrots, chopped (1 cup)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups red lentils
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1 cup chopped collard greens
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Winter Greens Pesto:
* 1 cup packed fresh kale leaves
* 1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
Cooking Time:
Difficulty Level:
Preparation Method Steps:
For the Minestrone:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, lentils, black beans, and pasta. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Stir in the kale, collard greens, and spinach. Cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the Winter Greens Pesto:
1. In a food processor, combine the kale, parsley, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Process until smooth.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 20g
- Fiber: 15g
Dish Characteristics:
- Hearty and satisfying
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Warm and comforting
- Fresh and flavorful
User Comments:
- "This minestrone is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day. The pesto adds a delicious depth of flavor."
- "I love the combination of red lentils and black beans. It's a great way to get your protein and fiber."
- "The winter greens pesto is a great way to use up leftover greens. It's a tasty and healthy way to add flavor to any dish."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- If you don't have black beans, you can use any other type of beans you like.
- You can also use any type of pasta you like in this dish.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can chop the kale, parsley, and walnuts by hand.
