Lena's Minestrone

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta, such as ditalini or macaroni
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and beans. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the pasta and cook for an additional 8 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
6. Stir in the spinach and cook for 1 minute.
7. Serve the soup in individual bowls topped with the Parmesan cheese.

Interesting Facts

• Minestrone is a traditional Italian soup that dates back to Roman times.
• The name minestrone comes from the Italian word minestra, which means “to serve.”
• The traditional ingredients of minestrone include beans, pasta, vegetables, and herbs.
• Minestrone is usually served with grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread.