Spill-the-Beans Minestrone
Light & Tasty
Try a FREE ISSUE of Healthy Cooking!
A meal in itself, here's a hearty soup from Reuben Tsujimura in Walla Walla, Washington that's chock-full of good-for-you veggies and vitamins. Serve with crunchy breadsticks and no one will even miss the meat!
SERVINGS: 6
CATEGORY: Lower Fat

METHOD:
TIME: Prep: 20 min. Cook: 20 min.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, cut up
- 2 cups chopped fresh kale
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup uncooked small pasta shells
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 teaspoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions:
In a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil until onion is tender. Add the broth, beans, tomatoes, kale, water, pasta, Italian seasoning and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Sprinkle each serving with Parmesan cheese. Yield: 6 servings.