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Caterina’s Minestrone

“Minestrone was originally considered ‘cucina povera’–literally ‘poor kitchen’ because it was primarily made with leftovers in Italy in order to not waste food.”

Comfort Food at its finest. The smells–reminiscent of a cold, dark day, bundled up next to a fire in corduroy pants & a turtleneck.

Prepare it with ease, with love, with joy & intention:

1 pound elbow macaroni (De Cecco brand recommended), 32 oz vegetable broth + 64 oz filtered water, organic olive oil (coat the bottom of a saucepan), 1 yellow onion (chopped), 5-6 cloves garlic (chopped), 3-4 large carrots (chopped), 2-3 stalks celery(chopped), 1 bunch cilantro (chopped), 1 bunch Italian parsley (chopped), 1 bunch rainbow chard (leaves chopped only, no stems), 1 Tbsp tomato paste, 1 can cannellini beans (drained), 4-5 fresh sage leaves, 1 Tbsp dried oregano, Himalayan Pink sea salt & black pepper (to desired flavor)

Use olive oil to coat the bottom of the saucepan, turn on to medium heat and sauté the garlic, onion, celery & carrots for 5 minutes. Add in 32 oz vegetable broth and then 64 oz filtered water, and turn the heat up to high. Add in the rainbow chard and tomato paste–stir and let the mixture boil for 5 minutes. Add in pasta while the mixture is boiling and season with the fresh and dried herbs & salt/pepper. Continue on boil until the pasta is softened, then turn down the heat to medium and add in the cannellini beans, parsley & cilantro and continue to cook until the pasta is at desired doneness. Let the soup sit covered for 10 minutes after it is done cooking (turn off all heat), then scoop into deep bowls & sprinkle with Parmigiano Reggiano.

Buon Mangiare! xo La Dolce Vita Wellness

Quality > Quantity

I believe that in ALL matters of living, quality > quantity is a standard that should be upheld. And in the world of food, nutrition & nourishment, it is THE statement, THE golden egg of living…or well at least it should be.

Unfortunately, living in a world where consumerism is at an all-time high & even food has been lumped into that category, we cannot escape the bargain bin for faux food, lurking around every corner of grocery stores & restaurants.

Remembering that the goal of nourishment is not about the physical amount of food, it is about the amount of nutrients, phytochemicals & life-giving components contained in your food.

We can actually survive & thrive on much less food than you think, if the foods that we eat are whole food based. The body actually thrives on being fulfilled from food but not exceeding fulfillment–when someone eats in excess of fulfillment, the consumption of the food is not about the food–it is about something much deeper that they are trying to satiate or fulfill.

This is why things like “diets” or menu plans alone don’t work well for those that consistently eat to excess and carry extra detrimental weight on their bodies.

The psychological-emotional-spiritual component of this behavior must be addressed along with dietary modifications. And this is what I specialize in, for any age from children to adults. My unique approach and understanding of the body-mind-soul connection is what drives my practice and my programs.

Loving yourself and practicing wellness in your life is more than what you eat & drink, it is a LIFESTYLE! Come see for yourself the difference in La Dolce Vita Wellness xo