Minestrone Verde

Martha Tedrow

Ingredients

1 7/8 Package Spinach thawed
1 7/8 Medium Zucchini diced
1/4 Head Cabbage shredded
1/2 Cups White Rice
1/4 Teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
1 7/8 Teaspoons Basil
5 7/8 Cups Water
1 7/8 lbs. Ham hocks
2 7/8 Medium cloves of garlic
1 7/8 Medium Onion chopped
1 7/8 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 7/8 Cups Small White Beans

Instructions

Soak the beans in water over night; drain. In a large pot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic; sauté 5 minutes until tender. Add the beans, ham hock, water, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the beans are tender. Remove the ham hocks. Cool slightly and cut the meat from the bones; dice finely. Add the meat, rice, and cabbage to the soup; simmer, covered 20 minutes. Add the zucchini; simmer uncovered 5 minutes. Press the excess water from the spinach and chop finely. Stir into the soup with salt and pepper. Heat through for a few minutes and serve.