Summer Minestrone Soup Recipe

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup diced onion (about 1/2 onion)

1/2 cup sliced leeks, white and light green parts only (see How to Clean Leeks), about 1/2 leek

1/2 cup diced celery (about one celery rib)

1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (about 1/4 of one bell pepper)

3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbsp)

6 cups chicken stock (can use good quality vegetable stock for vegetarian option)

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 teaspoon kosher salt (add more salt if using unsalted stock)

2 cups large dice zucchini (or other summer squash such as crookneck or pattypan)

1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths

2 roma tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup cooked small white beans

1/2 cup dry ditalini or any small pasta (omit for gluten-free option)

Fresh basil for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Sauté onions, leeks, celery, bell pepper, garlic, in olive oil: Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large, thick-bottomed pot on medium high. Add the diced onion, leeks, celery, and bell pepper.
2. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until softened, lowering the heat to medium to prevent browning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute more, until fragrant.
4. Add stock, seasonings, beans, pasta, vegetables, then simmer: Add the chicken stock, bay leaf, thyme, and salt to the pot. Increase heat to bring to a simmer, then add the zucchini, green beans, tomatoes, white beans, and pasta.
5. Heat to a simmer again and lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables and the pasta are cooked through.
6. Garnish with basil and Parmesan: Garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese to serve.

Original Recipe and Notes of recipe visit: Summer Minestrone Soup @ simplyrecipes.com