Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup

Homemade Minestrone Soup - the perfect easy comforting meal on a chilly day. Best of all, this classic stove-top recipe is hearty & full of fresh vegetables and beans.

Ingredients

•  1 small onion , about 1/3 cup, diced
•   2 cloves garlic , minced
•   1 medium carrot (about 1 cup) , chopped
•   1 large celery stalk (about 1 cup) , chopped
•    2 teaspoons dried basil
•   1 teaspoon dried oregano
•   3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
•   1 32 oz can diced tomatoes , (I usually use fire-roasted or Italian-style)
•   3 tablespoons tomato paste
•   1 bay leaf
•   1 (32 oz carton - 4 cups) low sodium vegetable brot
•  1 medium zucchini (around 2/3 cups) , sliced into halves or quarters
• 1/4 cup canned or cooked red kidney beans , drained and rinsed (leave out for        paleo & low carb)
•  1/4 cup canned or cooked cannellini beans, chickpeas OR great northern beans , drained and rinsed (leave out for paleo & low carb)
•   water - add only as much as needed to cover vegetables
•  1/4 cup dried small shell pasta , (use gluten free if necessary)(leave out for paleo & low carb and add chopped cauliflower & green beans instead))
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach chopped , optional
•  1/2 - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar , optional but adds great flavor
• Shredded or grated Parmesan cheese , for serving
• Fresh parsley finely chopped , for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1.   In a large heavy bottomed pot or dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2.    Add onions, garlic, carrots and celery and saute for about 4 minutes, or until     vegetables are slightly softened.
3.    Add basil, oregano and thyme and cook for an additional 1 minute. Add the diced     tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, vegetable broth and both of the beans. Depending   on how large your pot is, add just enough water to cover the vegetables.
4.     ....................................
5.   .......................................................

Full Instructions : Click Here