Minestrone Soup!

MINESTRONE SOUP

Minestrone soup is an italian soup that when translated means "the big soup." It is the type of recipe that can be made in a variety of ways. It calls for whatever vegetables and pasta or rice you have on hand or that are in season. Since this was my first time making it I did some "google-ing" and in the end my recipe most resembles Emeril's recipe, though I made a few of my own changes.

Ingredients:

• olive oil, for sauteing
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery celery sticks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 medium zucchinni, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth [the original recipe called for 10 cups broth, but I substituted about half with water (below)]
• 6 cups water
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 3 small potatoes, chopped
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 can of navy or white beans
• 1 can of kidney beans
• pasta [I use rotini, and 5 handfuls]

Directions:

heat olive oil. add onions, carrots, clery, and garlic. saute until soft, about 4 mins.

add zucchinni, and cook for another 3-4 mins.

add broth, tomatoes, spices, potatoes, and spinach.

bring to boil. reduce heat and simmer 30 mins.

add pasta and beans. simmer 15 mins.

let cool, and enjoy with a dinner roll.