Minestrone means “comforting” in Italian! Actually, it doesn’t. But it should because this soup is the ultimate comfort food and a full meal in a bowl!
Ingredients
- 2-4 cups water
- 1 large can crushed tomatoes
- 1 bag of your favorite fresh or frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can of chickpeas (aka garbanzos) or your preferred bean, drained
- 2 tbsp dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 bag of your favorite small pasta (corkscrew, elbow)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- Optional:
- 1/2 package of Tofurky Italian sausages, sliced
- 1 tsp dried garlic powder
- 1 bag of baby spinach
Instructions
- Add the tomatoes, 2 cups of water, beans, and herbs to a large soup pot.
- Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer.
- Add vegetables.
- Add more water, if needed, to cover the vegetables.
- Bring back to a boil.
- Turn down to a simmer and add the pasta.
- Cook until the pasta is not quite done – it will continue cooking after the heat is off.
- Add the herbs, salt, pepper, Tofurky, and garlic powder.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add baby spinach.
- Add more water if desired.
Optional
- Start the soup by sauteing a mirepoix (fresh onion, carrot, and celery).
- Use vegetable broth instead of water.
- Finish with fresh chiffonade of basil or a swirl of vegan pesto.
