Wintery Recipe

Just wanted to share a recipe I tried tonight and it was scrumptious.

Minestrone

(makes alot but freezes well)

3 Tbs olive oil
1 c kidney beans, drained
3 cloves garlic
salt and pepper to taste
1 onion
1 c green beans
2 cups chopped celery
2 c baby spinich
5 carrots sliced
1 Tbs basil
2 c. chicken broth
1/2 c pasta shells, cooked
2 c. water
grated parmesan
4 c tomato sauce

Over med-low heat, in a large pot, heat olive oil and saute garlic, and onion 2-3 min. Add celery & carrots, saute 1 min. Add chicken broth, water & tomato sauce, bring to a boil stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and add kidney beans, green beans, spinach leaves, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer for 30-40 min., the longer the better. Placed desired amount of pasta in individual serving bowls. Ladle soup on top of pasta and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

Bread sticks or garlic bread goes great with it. Now I just need a good italian salad recipe and it'll be our little Olive Garden at home! Enjoy.