Hearty Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

• 1 med onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 2 med carrots, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (4 Tbls) tomato paste
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes (preferably San Marzanos)
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 15 oz can kidney beans (rinsed & drained)
• 15 oz can white beans (great northern, navy, etc. also rinsed & drained)
• 1 cup green beans (canned or frozen)
• 1/2 to 1 cup of your favorite pasta (I used brown rice macaroni)
• 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 Tbls red wine vinegar

Instructions

1. 1

   Dice the onion, celery, and carrots

2. 2

   Over medium-low heat, add enough veggie broth to cover the pan bottom

3. 3

   Saute onion, carrot, and celery until softened

4. 4

   Add garlic and stir for 1 minute

5. 5

   Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute

6. 6

   Add tomatoes, broth, and water and stir

7. 7

   Add beans and pasta

8. 8

   Add seasonings and mix well

9. 9

   Cover and bring to a boil.

10. 10

    Just as it comes to a boil, turn down heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 min

11. 11

    Stir in red wine vinegar right before serving