AUTHENTIC  ITALIAN  RECIPES

 FROM

 RISTORANTE  d'ANNAMARIA

Soups: Soup, in Italian is called minestra with the plural (soups) being minestre.  We're all familiar with Italian vegetable soup called Minestrone.  This, in Italian simply means big or great soup and is usually a vegetarian vegetable soup.  Italians can manage to make soup out of anything and everything and may be eaten instead of a primo piatto or in addition to the primo piatto or all by itself with a nice chunk of buttered Italian bread. Soups are economical. At one time in Italian history, even its most modern history, this fact was of utmost importance.  This is where Italy's (and much of the rest of  Europe) traditions in soups began. Today soups are eaten more out of tradition than anything else since it is no longer a war torn, poverty stricken country.  However, why has the tradition hung on after all these years.  The answer is that these dishes are, economical, nutritious, and delicious.  Some will sound strange to you.  Don't let that scare you off. Give one a try and you'll be ready to try the next.  Once again, buon appetito.

Cianfotta a minestra (vegetable stew)

Minestra di bietole e polpettine (soup of Swiss chard and little meatballs)

Minestra di zucchine (zucchini soup)

Minestra Maritata (Christmas Specialty)

Zuppa di fave fresche (fresh broad bean soup)