SPILL-THE-BEANS MINESTRONE

Spill-the-Beans Minestrone image

A meal in itself, here's a hearty soup from Reuben Tsujimura in Walla Walla, Washington that's chock-full of good-for-you veggies and vitamins. Serve with crunchy breadsticks and no one will even miss the meat!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, cut up
2 cups chopped fresh kale
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup uncooked small pasta shells
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
6 teaspoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

In a large saucepan, saute onion in oil until onion is tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the broth, beans, tomatoes, kale, water, pasta, Italian seasoning and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 238 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 738mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 13g protein.