Hearty Minestrone Soup

Hearty Minestrone Soup

A very hearty and fulfilling minestrone soup. My family went back for seconds and thirds. Serve this with an Italian bread or buns and make it a meal.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbs of olive oil
• 1 large carrot sliced thin
• 2 ribs of celery chopped
• 1 large onion diced
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 8 cups of vegetable broth (2 boxes)
• 1 can of stewed tomatoes
• 4 Tbs. of tomato paste
• 3 cups of water
• 1 tsp. of basil 
• 1 tsp. of oregano
• 1 tsp of thyme 
• fresh ground pepper
• 2 medium potatoes washed and cubed
• 1 can of kidney beans rinsed and drained
• 2 cups of shredded cabbage
• 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)

Instructions 

1. In a large stock pot heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the carrots, celery, onions, and garlic to the pot and stir fry until onions are opaque. 
3. Next you want to add the vegetable broth, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste and water.
4. For the spices you can add more to your own taste.
5. Stir and bring to a boil.
6. Next add the potatoes, kidney beans and shredded cabbage.
7. Turn the heat down to medium - low and continue to cook until cabbage and potatoes are cooked.
8. While the soup is cooking boil the uncooked pasta until it is almost cooked.
9. Drain and add the pasta to the soup.
10. Let everything simmer for twenty minutes or more.
11. Serve when ready and ENJOY!