Fusion Indian Minestrone
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1 28 oz can of Tomato puree or diced tomatoes
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2 cans of garbanzo beans or Great Northern Beans
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4 cups of Chicken or Vegetable stock
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1 large Onions diced
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4-5 stalks of celery diced
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2 carrots cubed
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3-4 cloves garlic minced
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2 zucchini diced
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1/2 lb squash peeled and cubed ( optional)
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1/4 lbs green beans cut into 1 inch pieces ( optional)
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1 Potato peeled and cubed ( optional)
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2 cups of spinach washed, trimmed and cut
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2-3 slices of bacon cut in to small pieces
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6 oz elbow pasta or penne pasta
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salt and pepper for seasoning
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1/2 tsp - 1 tsp Red pepper
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp rosemary
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2 tablespoon basil pesto
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Parmesan - Romano to taste
For the Indian Twist
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1 tsp Cumin
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2-3 cloves of Garlic
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1tspn Paprika
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1 tbpsn oil
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Heat a 6 quart pot on medium Or set your Instant Pot on Saute setting.
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Add the bacon bit and heat them till the fat the bacon is crispy and the fat has melted out of the bacon. This is called Rendering.
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Using a slotted spoon , remove the bacon bit and keep them on the side
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Now add onion, celery and carrots (This mixture is called mirepoix or Sofrito). Store the mix till the carrots and onions are softened,
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Add Garlic, red pepper, rosemary and oregano and stir the mix for 1-2 minutes
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Add the zucchini, Squash, Green beans, potatoes and stir the mix for 1-2 minutes
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Drain and Wash the Canned beans . Add them to the pot.
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Add the tomato puree and stock.
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Add the pesto paste.
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Add the pasta.
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At this point - If the stock is not overing all the solids, add more stock or add water.
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At this point if you are using the Instant Pot - You should cancel out of the Saute settings. Then Switch on the Manual Settings - 5 minutes on high pressure. Make sure that pressure valve is on steaming. Once the cycle is completed, wait for the pressure to release to open the Instant pot lid. Switch the pot on Saute
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If you are using the stove - Heat the mix on the stove till the potatoes and pasta are done. - 20 -30 mins.
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Adjust the seasoning - Salt and pepper. Add Spinach and let it wilt
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Once the spinach is Wilted, Switch off the Instant Pot.
For an Indian Twist to the taste - Follow up the Soup with a Garlic Tadka.
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Heat 2 tbspn of oil a small pan. Be careful!!
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Add 1 tsp of Cumin . When it sizzles,
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Add 2 minced cloves of garlic. Wait till the garlic browns.
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Add 1 tsp of Paprika and then add to the top of the soup. It will sizzle.
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Stir lightly and serve!!
Notes
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Use Jarred Marinara sauce if you dont have Tomato puree or Diced tomatoes
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If you don't have Bacon or for a vegan alternative, omit the Bacon, and sauté the veggies in 1 tbsps of Olive oil.
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You can substitute Spinach with Kale.
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You can also add 1 lb Italian Sausage . Remove it from the casing and brown it with the onions.
- Serve with Garlic toast and Parmesan Cheese.