Recipe: Minestrone

There are hundreds of ways to make minestrone, this one is Filippo's way. Some Italian women may say this is not the way we do it in Italy but don't worry because even in Italy every region has it's way and some regions may argue their recipe is the best. This is my way, and it gets eaten to the last spoon.
Minestrone "a la Filippo" (Filippo style)
Ingredients: use as many vegetables as you can and as much as you want. This dish allows you to use all kinds of fresh vegetables (which may have ended up in the garbage) as well as frozen ones.
Here is a list of them (cut them in pieces, of course the common sense should tell you not to cut the peas in pieces)
- yellow onions - zucchini - celery - red or yellow potatoes - one yellow bell pepper - egg plant - beats - carrots -
scallions - string beans (fresh or frozen)
- green cabbage - cherry tomatoes -
Italian parsley leaves - spinach - kelp - scallions - peas (fresh or frozen) - a can of northern beans (I eliminate the liquid they come in the can with and wash them-the liquid they come with may have preservatives) - and absolutely do not forget at least two pieces of Parmesan cheese rind (this will add an incredible flavor. I always scrape the rind with a knife, sometimes they come with red marks.
Bring to boil in a large tall pan 2 quarts of water. When the water boils add all the vegetables and the cheese rind. Stir to mix all the vegetables.
Add the following spices:
- dill and cilantro (neither one is mandatory but if you have them use them or they'll get old, stale and a waste of money) - two to three spoons of all purpose vegetized seasoning salt (you can find it in a health food store). You can use as a substitute three cubes of vegetarian Knorr. It will be a sin if you use beef or chicken bouillon.
This is a vegetarian dish and if you want to make it Vegan eliminate the cheese rind. The cooking from the time you add all the ingredients in the boiling water should take 20 to 30 minutes at medium heat, after leave on low heat (knob at 2 to 3). Remember the key is to TASTE TASTE TASTE. Check if it needs more salt or bouillon test or not, if it is too salty you know what to do. Yes, you are right you add more water. (warm or hot water)
When serving you can pour on your own dish some grated Parmesan cheese.
Option: You can cook on the side some rice and you can add it to the minestrone in your dish. Don't ask me how to cook the rice check with Google
They have the answer to everything.
Buon appetito da parte di Filippo