Hearty Minestrone

By Wendy M. and Libby P. from Millbridge Elementary School, China Grove, North Carolina.

Description

Warm and filling, this soup is brimming with fresh vegetables and hearty beans. Topped with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese, minestrone is a great winter addition to our school menus. Serve with a whole grain roll.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 1 cup

Calories95
From Fat10.2%
From Saturated Fat5.11%
From Sugar0%
Sodium372mg

Ingredients

Ingredient 6 servings 50 servings
Water2 cups1gal+1.5cups
Celery,raw,chopped1/2 cup1 qt/1 lb
Carrots,raw,diced 3/4"1/2 cup1 qt/1 lb
Onions,raw,diced 1/2"1/2 cup1 qt/1.5 lb
Cabbage,raw,diced 3/4"1/2 cup1 qt/12 oz
Chicken broth,from dry base1/3 cup3 cups
Tomatoes,canned,diced1/2 cup3 cups
Zucchini,squash,diced 3/4"1/2 cup1 qt/17 oz
Paprika,Spanish3 tsp1/2 cup
Italian Spice Blend*1/4 tbl2 tbl
Beans,canned, kidney,undrained1+1/2 cup3qts+1/2 cup/6 lb 9 oz
Cheese,parmesan,grated2 tbl1 cup
Noodles,macaroni,elbow-uncooked1/4 cup2 cups/8.8 oz

Preparation

  1. In two (12" X 20" X 4") steamtable pans equally divide the water, chopped celery, diced carrots, diced onion, chopped cabbage and diced zucchini squash. Mix vegetables until combined. Cover with a lid and steam for 15 minutes.

  2. Add chicken stock, diced tomatoes, paprika and the Italian spice blend (http://www.nfsmi.org/documentlibraryfiles/PDF/20100210102023.pdf page 15) in equal proportions. Cover and steam for 30 minutes.

  3. Add beans and macaroni. Continue steaming for 20 minutes.

  4. Stir grated parmesan cheese thoroughly into the pans in equal proportions before ready to serve.

CCP: Heat to 165 degrees or igher for at least 15 seconds.

CCP: Hold at 135 degrees or higher.

For six servings:

Mix all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a low simmer and cook for approximately 15 minutes until macaroni is done. Soup improves in flavor as it simmers longer!