MINESTRONE WITH FRESH HERBS

Minestrone with Fresh Herbs image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 medium shallot, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh marjoram
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 stalk celery, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 medium carrots, (about 5 ounces), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 eggplant, (about 14 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, (about 7 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 zucchini, (about 8 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
8 cups Homemade Chicken Stock, or low-sodium canned
2 fourteen-and-a-half-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes
1 cup canned cranberry beans, drained and rinsed
6 ounces colored pasta shells, cooked
Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

In a stockpot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, shallot, garlic, pepper, oregano, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, celery, and carrots; saute, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and translucent, about 8 minutes.
Add eggplant, red pepper, and zucchini; saute until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes more. Add chicken stock and canned tomatoes, and bring to a boil, stirring to break up the tomatoes. Reduce heat to low, and let simmer until vegetables are tender, about 12 minutes. Add beans and pasta; cook until heated through, about 2 minutes more. Serve immediately, sprinkled with Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 278 g, Cholesterol 1 g, Fat 3 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 13 g, Sodium 874 g