This unique take on Italian minestrone combines tender shredded beef with classic soup vegetables and a secret ingredient: Coca-Cola. The cola adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the savory broth, balancing the richness of the bacon and beef. It’s a comforting, hearty meal perfect for cold evenings. The long simmering process ensures the meat is fall-apart tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Italian Minestrone Soup – With Coke
Description
This unique take on Italian minestrone combines tender shredded beef with classic soup vegetables and a secret ingredient: Coca-Cola. The cola adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the savory broth, balancing the richness of the bacon and beef. It's a comforting, hearty meal perfect for cold evenings. The long simmering process ensures the meat is fall-apart tender and the flavors meld beautifully.Directions
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In a large stockpot, combine the chuck roast, water, 2 teaspoons salt, whole small onion, celery leaves, and bay leaf.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is very tender.
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Remove the meat from the broth and set aside to cool.
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Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Discard solids.
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Refrigerate the broth until the fat solidifies on top, then skim and discard the fat.
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Once cooled, finely dice the beef, discarding any bones, gristle, and excess fat. You should have about 2 cups of diced meat.
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In a 5 to 6-quart Dutch oven or large kettle, combine the defatted broth and the diced beef. Place over low heat to keep warm.
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In a separate skillet, fry the diced bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving drippings in the pan.
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To the Dutch oven with the broth and beef, add the bacon, bacon drippings, kidney beans, green beans, celery, peas, zucchini, carrots, diced onion, parsley, garlic, macaroni, tomato paste, Coca-Cola, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
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Stir well to combine. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables and macaroni are tender.
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Ladle into bowls and serve sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 615.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 19.9g31%
- Saturated Fat 7.4g37%
- Cholesterol 212.8mg71%
- Sodium 184.4mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 93.6g188%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
