Tomato Minestrone Soup

I'm still hoping that if I make soups for dinner, fall will come sooner. So far, it hasn't worked. It's still hotter than Hades in Houston. Ugh! At least the soup is tasty!

This Tomato Minestrone Soup is yet another recipe from Rachel Ray.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 1/4 pound pancetta or thick-cut prosciutto, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 or 2 medium zucchini, quartered & sliced
  
• 2 ribs celery with leafy tops, chopped
• 2 small carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded cabbage (optional)
  
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper
• One 32-ounce container (4 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
• One 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed
• One 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 pound whole wheat penne or other short-cut pasta
• A handful basil, torn into pieces
• French Bread
  

Directions:

1. In a soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta or prosciutto and cook until browned (about 2 minutes).


2. Add the zucchini, celery, carrots, onion, bay leaf and garlic. Season with salt & pepper. Cook until veggies are tender, 7-8 minutes.


3. Stir in cabbage (if using - I just had some left over so I threw it in).


4. Stir in chicken stock, beans and tomatoes and bring to a boil.


5. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Stir in the basil.


6. Serve with slices of French bread for dipping!


My Tid-Bits:

* It says the prosciutto is optional, but I say use it. It adds a lot of flavor. Prosciutto can be found in the deli section of the grocery store. And if your grocery store doesn't have it? Start shopping somewhere else.

* You can add any veggies that you like. The more the merrier. I tossed in the cabbage because I had some in the refrigerator that needed to be used up.

* This soup is VERY filling. I was stuffed after one bowl & one piece of bread. And the best part is that one bowl only has 290 calories and is full of healthy veggies!

* Lastly, if you have any other ideas for making the cooler weather arrive sooner, please share them. I'm over 95 degrees and 90% humidity.

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