Minestrone Soup ~ Day 126

Hearty, comforting and healthy Minestrone soup made with homemade vegetable broth.  This super nutritious soup is so easy to make and very versatile.  Feel free to add or omit any vegetable or beans to suit your palate. 

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Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Serves:4

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Ingredients:

• Olive oil - 1 tbsp
• Bay leaf - 1
• Tomatoes - 2, diced
• Tomato paste - 2 tsp
• Mixed vegetables - 2 cups, diced (I used potatoes, carrots, zucchini, red and green pepper)
• Kidney beans - 1/2 cup, canned
• Cannellini beans - 1/2 cup, canned
• Frozen shelled edamame - 1/2 cup
• Fresh Thyme - 1 tsp
• Dried basil - 1/2 tsp
• Dried oregano - 1/2 tsp
• Ground black pepper - 1 tsp
• Chaat masala - 1/2 tsp (optional)
• Small shell pasta - 1/2 cup
• Vegetable broth - 4 cups
• Salt - to taste

Method:

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan.  Add the bay leaf, tomatoes, and tomato paste.  Saute for a minute and add all the vegetables and stir.  
2. Add the thyme, basil, oregano, and black pepper, and chaat masala (if using).  Stir and add the beans, edamame, and the vegetable broth along with salt.  Bring it to a boil.
3. Add the pasta and cook over medium heat until the pasta and vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Serve warm.