SHORTCUT MINESTRONE

Shortcut Minestrone image

"This soup is hearty and makes a comforting lunch or dinner on a brisk day," relates Barbara Jellison from Bellevue, Washington. "The spaghetti sauce provides rich flavor without a long simmering time. I further cut the prep time by using my food processor to chop the vegetables.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 35m

Yield 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

4 bacon strips, diced
1 large onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (28 ounces) spaghetti sauce
4 cups beef broth
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2/3 cup uncooked small shell pasta
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup frozen cut green beans
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings; set bacon aside. In the drippings, saute onion and carrots for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer., Stir in the spaghetti sauce, broth and beans. Bring to a boil. Add the pasta, brown sugar, basil and oregano. Cook, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Add green beans; cook 5 minutes longer or until heated through. Garnish with reserved bacon and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 188 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 560mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges