Monday, January 09, 2012

'CLICK. BOOM. AMAZING!' (Phalaenopsis Orchid) ~ HEARTY MINESTRONE SOUP

“Click. Boom. Amazing!”
~ Steve Jobs

Phalaenopsis Orchid
(Confidence texture)
____________

HEARTY MINESTRONE SOUP
~ Delicious hearty offering for a chilly winter day

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 coarsely chopped onions
4 minced garlic cloves
1 cup chopped celery plus leaves
8 cups shredded cabbage (shortcut use coleslaw mix)
3 diced potatoes (redskins/small Yukons, or sweet)
2 cups chopped zucchini
2 cups chopped carrots
1 - 1 1/2 cups chopped green beans or frozen Italian green beans
1 - 2 cans stewed tomatoes
1 - 2 cans rinsed cannellini beans
2 - 3 quarts organic chicken broth
2 Tbsp. crushed dried basil
2 tsp. crushed dried oregano
coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
10 oz. fresh chopped kale or spinach (or 10 oz. frozen chopped)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
(1/2 cup small pasta or arborio rice ... optional)

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

  • Heat oil and butter over medium heat in large stockpot. Add onions and sauté until golden, about 10 minutes.
  • Add garlic, celery, and cabbage and continue cooking until wilted. Add potatoes, zucchini, carrots, green beans, stewed tomatoes, cannellini beans, chicken broth, basil, oregano, salt & cracked pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer about 40 minutes.
  • Add spinach or kale, fresh parsley, and pasta/rice (if desired). Cook another 10-15 minutes or until pasta/rice tender.
  • Adjust seasonings. Ladle in bowls and top with finely shredded Parmesan. Serve with good crusty bread.

Phalaenopsis Orchid


Purchase with 'confidence' ... Phalaenopsis Orchids are hardy beauties


16 comments:

donna said...

Gave my DIL an orchid for Christmas and also bought one for myself. I know nothing about how to care for them, but I can learn. Or I can just ask you. ha- ha

Happy 2012 to you, Joey.

donna

Anonymous said...

They really are easy and provide weeks of beautiful blooms... but their appearance does frighten the amateur... it shouldn't! If I was a cook I would try this recipe because it sounds wonderful!

Gatsbys Gardens said...

My orchids have just got blooms after a long long time. The soup sounds delicious.

Eileen

Andrea said...

Hi Donna, that is a lovely Phalaenopsis. It is difficult to grow in our dry and hot climate in the province but it thrives very well in some areas here too. Phals are always beautiful, i love them better than Catleya. I thought you are giving us a recipe using it! haha.

Shady Gardener said...

So beautiful, Joey! Love the Orchid. I'm printing your recipe - as always! ;-) One of these days, I'm going to take time to MAKE this!!

Scott Law said...

Love that top photo with your amazing texture work. I just started taking Kim's free Skinny Mini course and will probably be taking some of her more in depth texture courses soon. You did a beautiful job here - as always.

Beth at PlantPostings said...

Yum, the recipe sounds great! And your Orchid is incredible! I've been thinking about trying an Orchid in a Terrarium this year, but that might be a little too challenging for me.

Cat said...

Beautiful work as always, Joey! I've always been a bit fearful of orchids...I'm gonna have to get over that. Maybe this is a good year to do that with "stretch" being my word for the year :)

RURAL said...

One of the best bargains in the plant world. And such beauty in a pot, that's what orchids are. Did I mention they are super easy to grow?

And if you are patient enough, they will rebloom year after year....

Love this recipe, we have the kind of weather that is calling for soup!

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Nature Rambles said...

Oh Joey, your orchids are so lovely! And the first texture photo looks like a painting. Work of art! As for your recipe, it sounds really good! We've got the kind of weather that says...eat heartily!:)

imac said...

Great shots my friend.
Also love the colours.

come watch St Ives Fireworks on New Years Eve + Youtube video

joey said...

Don't fret, Donna! Watching orchids is much easier than watching football! :)

Both so easy, kcJewel ... trust me, fun friend :)

Hang in there, Eileen! Takes time but so worth it!

Yes beautiful, Andrea!

Someday you will thank me for your 'good' stash, dear Shady! ((hugs)) and Happy New Year, dear friend!

Thanks Scott ... Kim's offerings are generous! Have yet to take the course but on my 'must list'!

PP ... go for these orchids that seem to bloom forever ... so easy ... so rewarding!

Do go for it, Cat! Trust me, these orchids are almost 'foolproof'! My bachelor son has these that last an incredible time ... like ice cube method of watering that seems to work for me too!

So often in my thoughts, dear Jen, and thanks. Yes, so easy wish all would give them a try, especially now when found so inexpensive in many places. Good luck in your house hunting ... my heart is with you!

Love and must have orchids in bloom, NR, and thank you for your always kind comments. I too love the 'texture' of my latest adoptive orchid ... a fun shoot! (And the soup is agreeable too!)

imac, you are a gem and loved the St Ives fireworks! Thanks for sharing!

Rose said...

Perfect timing--minestrone is on list of menu ideas for next week! I know if the recipe comes from you, it will be delicious, Joey.

Such a beautiful orchid--I've been tempted to purchase one, but so far I've resisted.

Kala said...

Gorgeous texture work Joey.

And that soup is just what I need for a cold winter night like this!

Kathryn/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com said...

Oh, I KNEW you would have a perfect soup recipe to ward off these wet cold days and evenings! I've stopped eating all meat except fish, so a bit more challenging. I am, however, eating chicken broth, so this would work. Thank you! Winter love to you.

Marysol said...

Awesome texture on the equally-awesome orchid!

Speaking of textures, Minestrone Soup is unparalleled, in terms of textures and tastes. And a hefty serving would be so welcome right now.

Happy weekend pal!