Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a hearty, rustic dish with roots dating back to ancient times, predating the Roman empire. It combines a mixture of vegetables including beans, onions, celery, tomatoes, and either pasta or rice. It is the perfect Winter meal and goes great as a first course. It's distinct flavor makes it one of the best vegetable soup recipes. Recipe Ingredients 2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, diced 2 medium carrots, chopped 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced 1 tsp. sea salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 (28 oz.) can of diced tomatoes 1 1/2 cups white beans or kidney beans, cooked, drained and rinsed 1 cup chopped green beans 4 cups vegetable broth 2 bay leaves 1 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. dried thyme 3/4 cup small pasta, like elbows, shells or orecchiette or rice 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley Pinch of red pepper flakes Grated parmesan cheese Instructions 1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, salt, and...