# Components:
→ Soup Base
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 carrot, diced
05 - 1 celery stalk, diced
06 - 1 pound ground beef
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
09 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
12 - 5 cups beef or vegetable broth
13 - 7 ounces lasagne noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Caramelized Onion Swirl
15 - 2 large onions, thinly sliced
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
17 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
18 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
19 - 3.5 ounces ricotta cheese
20 - 1.7 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
21 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
22 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Serving Garnish
23 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
24 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the aroma to develop.
03 - Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, blending flavors.
05 - Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Allow to come to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes.
06 - While the soup simmers, heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until onions are deep golden and sweet. Season with salt and pepper.
07 - Once onions are slightly cooled, transfer to a medium bowl. Mix with ricotta, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Set aside.
08 - Add broken lasagne noodles to the soup. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Add additional broth if needed to achieve desired consistency.
09 - Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
10 - Ladle soup into bowls. Top each portion with a generous spoonful of the caramelized onion swirl. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
