Marshalls Abroad

Fall Life Zuppa

Autumn: Red Wine Butternut Squash Minestrone

Cam has been working afternoons & overnights this week, so when he surprised me and walked through the front door yesterday at 5pm, I almost dropped the pot I was holding to cook this soup in. 

Even just a few days apart makes us appreciate all the more what we have.
He sat next to me on the stool in the kitchen while I chopped & cooked, drinking a glass of vino, catching up on this past week, making my heart so happy.  Maybe that’s why this soup tasted so good?  

I received a comment recently on my formspring insinuating that I portray our marriage as perfect on the blog. To be honest, that made us laugh a bit because it’s of course not. No one’s is. It’s sometimes hard work. God’s grace keeps our marriage so sweet, and I share it out of sincerity because we’re so ridiculously thankful that I can’t help it. Thanks for reading everyday despite my constant mush and gush.

It’s raining here right now and getting cool {in the high 70’s is laughably cool to us now} so we’ve been craving soup. I had minestrone on my mind when I rode Chardonnay to the farmer’s market the other day, picking out fresh zucchini, butternut squash, carrots, onion, hearty greens and celery. I saw our farmer neighbors on the way, laughing that I looked like an Okinawan on a bike with fresh produce in my basket.

I also used some basil and rosemary {for a whole wheat focaccia bread} from our potted herb garden.

So fresh, healthy and delicious.  The red wine makes this minestrone rich and … so right. (;

 Red Wine Butternut Squash Minestrone:

1 Butternut Squash
3 Zucchini Squash
2 Stalks of Celery
1 Yellow Onion
2 Large Carrots
1 Bunch of Kale or Hearty Greens like Spinach
Fresh Chopped Basil Leaves
1 Cup of Red Wine {I used a Cab Sauvignon}
2 Cups of all-natural low-sodium Chicken Broth
1 can (cup) of Tomato Sauce
1 can of Diced Tomatoes
1 can of White Cannellini Beans
Salt & Pepper to taste
Dash of Chili Powder
4 Cloves of Garlic 
EVOO {about 1/2 cup}
1 Box of Ditalini Pasta
Pecorino for Topping

Drizzle olive oil in a large pot on medium heat & saute about 4 chopped cloves of garlic. Once brown, add in chopped onion, and saute until it begins to brown. Next add chopped carrot & celery, & saute for about 3 minutes until they soften. Add the chicken stock, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, with the juice. Add 1/2 – 1 cup of red wine, depending on your taste. The wine gives the soup a hearty richness. Bring to a boil.

Once it reaches boiling, lower heat to simmer. Add the chopped zucchinis and butternut squash. Add in the white cannellini beans, chopped kale (or spinach!), chopped fresh basil, chili powder, and sea salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for atleast an hour.

Cook the ditalini pasta in well-sea salted boiling water for 6-7 minutes only. Drain, but do not rinse. Keeping the pasta al dente will keep it from getting soggy in the soup. Toss with olive oil and set aside.

Ladle soup into bowls; add as much pasta into the soup as you would like, and top with freshly grated Pecorino and a bit of EVOO. Serve with a glass of red wine like a Merlot or Malbec & a piece of crusty bread.  It gets even better the next day. (: Happy Fall!

PS: I was over at my lovely friend Anna’s blog the other day … In Honor of Design. Hers is one of my favorites!


Comments

  1. Hannah Margaret Allen says

    First and foremost, this is the most aesthetically lovely post ever. Second, it looks scrumptious, and I want to try the recipe. THIRD, I watch Pride and Prejudice too much as well. It's just so peaceful and gorgeous. Can't help myself.

    Great post, you can tell you put some creative energy into it!

  2. Joee says

    I love coming to read your blog, all your delish recipes, georgous photos, traveling and also just adore the way you put your husband and marriage as a priority. My hubby and I also put each other first in our lives and can't wait to be together each day! We've been rediculously happily married 25 years!! For us, marriage is not work it's joy!! Keep up loving what you've got going. Don't let negative comments ruin your lovely blog or your beautiful spirit!!
    Smiles!!

  3. Jenna says

    I can't remember the last time I had Minestrone soup! I think I need to add it to this weekends recipe line up 🙂 And – these photos are stunning! You make it look as appetizing as it sounds!

    xxx
    Jenna

  4. Jay says

    Minestrone is one of my favourite soups but I've never made it on my own! I might have to give this a try this winter!

    (PS. I don't get sick of your mush at all!)

  7. Kristin says

    Pinning this! Minestrone w/ red wine and butternut squash? Yes please 🙂 – Your sharing about your time catching up with your hubby made me smile. Thank God for sweet love!

  8. Gayla says

    I am absolutely loving your blog! I love how sweetly you speak about your hubby and your times together. Love your photography skills as well!

  10. Sheila@TheFailteHouse says

    Wow, this soup looks amazing! I am loving all the new recipes you are sharing. I am just learning to cook – so this is a big help. (Happy you were able to spend more time together yesterday) 🙂

  16. Nicole Marie says

    hahah it's high 70's here too day and somehow that feels cool…. oh my heavens. but next week is supposed to go back up to the 80's. and we have to beautiful ocean to cool off in… i'm about to freak out haha

    can't wait till it really cools off so i can make this! eventhough i know mine won't look nearly as pretty as yours

  17. Aspiring Kennedy says

    Sometimes soup reminds me of having a cold as a child and only eating chicken noodle soup for days on end. However, this is a grown-up soup that I am dying to try. So good!

  19. thais says

    I actually found you at Ana's blog!! love the look of this soup. we are also cooling down over here and I for sure will give your beautiful minestrone a try.

  20. Lauren says

    I, for one, will NEVER EVER getting tired of your mush. You two seem to appreciate life and enjoy each other so much and this season of your life, but I know that doesn't come without bumps along the way

  22. Kate @ Daffodils says

    This looks so good! And I don't understand why people don't appreciate the positivity. It is such a wonderful thing to be able to see the good in your life everyday. Thanks for sharing it with us!

  23. Daryl says

    I want to have your eye for photography and post-assembleage (that's a word now.)

    People tell me I my my marriage look perfect too! Of course my marriage isn't perfect, that doesn't mean we're not totally happy and in love!

    Daryl

  25. Corey @ Learning Patience says

    Hi there-This soup looks amazing! I have never eaten butternut squash and theere is plenty here in Trinidad so I am making it my goal to try some this week. I think Ill make this! Thanks!

    xoxo from Trinidad

  26. Anonymous says

    I tried your recipe over the weekend and it was delicious! Thank you for sharing! I am a new reader (I don't even remember how I found you) and I look forward to reading about your life in Japan. Thanks again!

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