What exactly IS minestrone soup? What are the ingredients, and how did it come into being?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

Minnestrone is Italian for "big soup," it is a thick vegetable soup containing pasta or rice.

minestra - minestrone

[mih-NAYS-truh]
Italian for "soup," minestra most often describes a soup of medium thickness, frequently containing meat and vegetables. Minestrina ("little soup") is a thin broth, while minestrone ("big soup") refers to a thick vegetable soup that generally contains pasta and sometimes peas or beans. It's usually topped liberally with grated Parmesan cheese and is hearty enough to be considered a complete meal. There are as many recipies as there are cooks, some rich and meaty like a stew, others vegetarian. Filled with squash, potatoes beans and pasta in the winter. the summer version is as brilliant and flavorful as your home garden. Brimming with string beans, zucchini, fresh tomato, and any other favorite.

As an aside - Minestra is also the Greek word for that wonderful rice shaped pasta - orzo.

Many thanks, Jersey Tomater; and very prompt, too.
Cheers! Ritz.

-And many thanks to you also, Trixcala, for the extra information...all very gratefully "digested"
Ta! Ritz.