If freezing the soup for future use, cook the pasta only halfway. This will prevent the pasta from getting soggy.
Green Garden Minestrone
Make this low-calorie side-dish soup using vegetables you have on hand. This recipe gives you lots of options.
Servings: 8 (1-cup) servings
Total: 50 mins
Rated:
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup sliced celery
2/3 cup finely chopped leeks
6 green onions, sliced
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or stock
2 cups water
1 1/2 sliced fresh green beans and/or fresh or frozen green peas
1/2 cup dried tiny shell pasta
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed and thinly sliced and/or 8 ounces baby zucchini, sliced
6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped, or 1 1/2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
1/4 cup snipped fresh basil
2 ounces thinly shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
1. In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add celery, leeks, green onions, and garlic; cook until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
2. Add broth, the water, green beans and/or peas, pasta, and pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Stir in the asparagus and/or zucchini and spinach; simmer 2 to 3 minutes more or until pasta and vegetables are tender. Stir in basil.
3. To serve, if desired, top individual servings with Parmesan cheese. Makes 8 (1-cup) servings
Used with permission. ©Copyright 2012 , Meredith Corporation. www.bhg.com. All Rights Reserved.
