Minestrone

Minestrone has no single recipe, which is exactly why it works as a weeknight dinner: whatever vegetables are in season go in, along with beans and a handful of small pasta or rice to give it weight. The version worth making is the thick one, where the beans break down a little and the spoon stands up in the bowl. A rind of Parmesan simmered in the pot adds depth for nothing. Cook the pasta separately if the soup has to last several days, or it will drink up the broth by Wednesday.