The Easiest Vegetable Minestrone Ever!

This is the easiest and fastest minestrone you’ll ever make and the veggies combined with the pasta make a filling meal. I just made this up one night when I was desperate not to have to run to the grocery store and I had a few staples on hand. This is a great recipe to keep in your back pocket for nights when you need something nutritious but easy, and it kind of looks like you went to a lot of trouble (but you didn't, promise!).

If you want to make this vegan simply use a vegetable butter like Earth Balance and omit the Parmesan.

Ingredients:

* Can of tomato sauce (14-15 oz. any kind, I use Costco Kirkland brand)

* Can of diced tomatoes

* Can of cut green beans 

* Can of black beans

* Can of pinto or northern beans

* 1/3 cup vegetable base Better Than Bouillon

* 3 Tbsp butter

* 4 1/2 quarts water

* 2 celery stalks sliced

* 3 medium carrots sliced

* 1 garlic clove crushed

* 1 tsp Sage

* 1 tsp Thyme

* 1 tsp Oregano

* 1/2 tsp Paprika

* 2/3 of a box of penne or bowtie pasta (I use Barilla brand) 

* Parmesan for garnish (optional)

 

Directions:

 1) Add the 1/3 cup vegetable base Better Than Bouillon to the 4 1/2 quarts of water in a large soup pot and bring to a boil. If you don't have Better Than Bouillon (if you have a Costco membership buy it there) simply use enough bouillon cubes for the amount of water or use your preferred canned broth.

2) Combine sliced carrots, celery, and tomato sauce to water and boil for 25 minutes until carrots are tender.

3) Add the 3 Tbsp of butter directly into the pot and let melt, stirring to combine. 

4) Throw in all other canned ingredients and spices, simmer on low for another 30 minutes to combine flavors. 

5) Turn off soup and let cool at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.

6) Use this time to make your pasta per box directions in a separate pot (I find 2/3 of a box of penne or bowtie is usually the right amount of pasta). When done, drain the pasta as usual and then add it to your soup pot and stir well to combine (this is best done right before serving so the pasta doesn't get mushy).

This should feed 4-6 people depending on their appetites. Great with warm bread or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!