Ingredients

7 tablespoons olive oil

4 garlic cloves, thickly sliced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 leeks, white part only, sliced

1/4 cup red wine

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

1/4 beef bouillon cube or 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Saice

1 teaspoon sugar

4 cups chicken stock or enhanced chicken stock

1 (28 ounce) cann peeled Italian tomatoes, drained, chopped and juices reserved

3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1/2 pound mushrooms, quartered

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned croutons

4 tablespoons freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Minestra Impanata

Serves 4

In a large saucepan set on medium-high heat, cook 3 tablespoons of the oil, the garlic, red pepper flakes and leeks for 3 minutes. Stir in the salt, pepper, rosemary, the beef bouillon cube or Worcestershire sauce and the sugar and cook for 3 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock, tomatoes and reserved juices and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer.

Remove 1 cup of the soup and puree it in a blender or food processor. Return it to the pot and add the basil, mushrooms and peas. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. Add the croutons, stirring well, and cook 3 to 5 minutes. The soup should look like a chunky pouridge.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with the remaining olive oil, if you wish, and the cheese.