Mangia Monday!

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
-Albert Camus

Hello! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! It was gorgeous here in CNY. The leaves are changing color, the air is cool and it just FEELS like autumn - I LOVE IT! Today I have a recipe that is perfect for this time of the year - ENJOY!


Beef Minestrone: Slow Cooked

Ingredients:

* 1.5 Lbs. boneless beef chuck roast, cubed (1")
* Pan searing flour
* 2 Tbsp olive oil
* 1 cup potatoes, diced
* 1 cup zucchini, cubed
* 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
* 1/2 cup celery, chopped
* 1/2 cup onions, diced
* 1/4 cup leeks, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup cabbage, finely chopped
* Salt and pepper
* 32 oz Beef stock
* 1 can Italian-Style Diced Tomatoes
* 3 cups Tomato Sauce
* 1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta
* 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
* 6 oz baby spinach
* Sliced Italian bread

Equipment Needed:

* 6-8 qt slow cooker
* Large braising pan

Directions:

1.) Dust beef with pan-searing flour; pat off excess.
2.) Heat oil in large braising pan on medium - high until oil faintly smokes.
3.) Add beef; sear 10 min until all sides are browned.
4.) Transfer beef to slow cooker; don't discard pan drippings.
5.) Add vegetables to pan with beef drippings; season with salt and pepper.
6.) Cook, stirring, about 3 min; add to slow cooker.
7.) Add beef stock, tomatoes, & sauce to slow cooker.
8.) Cover, cook 4 1/2-6 hours on high.
9.) Add dry pasta and beans 30 minutes before end of cooking time.
10.) Add spinach to slow cooker; stir to blend well.
11.) Allow spinach to lightly wilt, about 2 min.
12.) Ladle into bowls and serve with bread.

"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad."
-Edwin Way Teale

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!