SOUP

SOUP...Hearty Soup...

Got home really late tonight and had to whip up something quick cuz the Lakers game was starting at 7:30 (got lucky...it was delayed because of the Cavs/Bulls game!)...

As I'm driving home I'm thinking about what I have...Swiss chard (used the stems the other night for the "fries"), carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, San Marzano tomatoes (used the juice/puree for the pizza on Saturday), frozen brisket from last week, pasta, beans, cheese, a loaf of La Brea Pugliese...

Sauteed the mirapoix - carrots, celery, onion rough chop - in olive oil...add in the chard torn into 2-3" pieces...deglaze the pan with a splash of Sake, then added in chicken broth and the juice from the jar of San Marzanos - just the liquid. Add in the frozen brisket. Peeled potatoes cubed. Add in a handful of pasta (I used penne). Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium and simmer partially covered until the meat has defrosted and the pasta is cooked - remove meat and shred. Add back into the pot with a can of canellini beans and bring to a boil again.

In a bowl add a pinch of red chili pepper flakes and a grind or two of fresh black pepper, then ladle in the soup and top with shaved parmigiano reggiano. Served with bread - warmed in a 500F oven for 10 minutes - and cheese.