Minestra is what weeknight Italian cooking is all about. A handful of vegetables, some ground beef, and a slow simmer that brings everything together and everybody to the table!

STEP 1

Warm a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large pot. Add the onion, carrot and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables soften.

STEP 2

Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink.

STEP 3

Stir in the tomato purée and let it cook for about a minute to deepen the flavor. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

STEP 4

Add the cubed potatoes and pour in enough vegetable broth (or water) to fully cover everything. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.

STEP 5

After 20 minutes, check the liquid level and add more if needed. Add the pasta and the peas directly into the pot. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.

STEP 6

 Finish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, with a light sprinkle of grated cheese if you like.

Pour a glass of Gratsi Red and let simple flavors warm you up. Buon Appetito!