Vegetarian Minestrone

Followed this recipe using soup starter..... wasn't what I expected..... hearty way to get all your veggies and stay healthy and warm on a cold winter day.... however it was a bit bland..... has potential.... feel free to check it out!


Here is the Recipe From "Better Recipes" :


Vegetarian Minestrone

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 sweet onion, chopped
5 stalks celery, sliced
5 carrots, sliced
6 cups vegetable broth
1 pkg. chopped tomatoes
1/2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed & cut
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 bag fresh spinach, ready to eat
3 zucchini, halved and sliced
1 can cannelloni beans, drained
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 of a 1 lb box ditalini pasta, cooked
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)


Method
In a large stock pot, over medium-low heat, heat olive oil and saute garlic for 1-2 minutes. Add onion and saute for 4 to 5 minutes. Add vegetable broth, celery, carrots, green beans and tomatoes. Bring to boil, turn down and simmer until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Add kidney beans, cannelloni beans, zucchini, spinach, oregano, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, the longer the better. Add more water if needed for soup consistency. Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add ditalini pasta and cook the recommended time for pasta that is going into soup. (It is usually a few minutes less than completely cooked pasta.) Drain water and add pasta to soup when vegetables are tender. Optional serving suggestions: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Spray with olive oil and serve.

Notes: Serve with crusty bread and a salad for a hearty meal. Leftovers store very well in the refrigerator. Vegetarian broth tip: Use prepared, canned vegetarian broth OR water mixed with Vegetarian Soup Starter, according to the soup starter directions. When soup starter is used do NOT add the salt listed in the ingredients above.

Number of Servings: 12