Mediterranean-Style Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 2 medium, diced carrot
• 2 diced celery
• 3 minced garlic
• 1 medium, diced zucchini
• 2 cups, chopped kale
• 14 oz tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 15 oz, drained and rinsed cannellini beans
• 1 cup, uncooked grain pasta
• 0.25 cup, chopped basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. 3Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. 4Add the diced zucchini and chopped kale, and cook for 3-5 minutes, until they start to soften.
5. 5Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. 6Add the cannellini beans and whole grain pasta, return to a simmer, and cook until the pasta is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
7. 7Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. 8Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving.
9. 9Ladle the soup into bowls.
10. 10Serve hot, garnished with more fresh basil if desired.
11. 11Enjoy your nutrient-rich, Mediterranean twist on the classic Minestrone Soup.