minestrone-soup-linkReady in just an hour, and loaded with vegetables and beans, minestrone soup is a delicious and nutritious weekday meal. Serve with a fresh garden salad and warm crusty bread.

Prep. time: 15 mins  •  Cook time: 45 mins
Makes: 8 servings (approx. 1 1/2 cup each)

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup minced white onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cut green beans
  • 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can white beans or great northern beans, drained
  • 1 /2 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup carrots, julienne
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
  • 1 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 1/2 cups hot water
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/3 cup small shell pasta, optional

Directions

  1. In a large stock pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, celery, garlic, green beans, and zucchini and saute in the oil for 5 minutes or until onions begin to turn translucent.
  3. Add vegetable broth, drained tomatoes, beans, carrot, hot water, and spices.
  4. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Add spinach and pasta (if desired) and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes.

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