Want to post your recipe? That looks good and I love minestrone.
it's Progresso. i do the same. throw a can in the pot, some basil, oregano, garlic salt, celery salt, paprika, etc.
:biggrin: no. :\
Ingredients list:
4 cups (32oz) vegetable broth (I use Swanson organic in the box)
1 can (14.5oz) diced tomatoes (Publix organic for me)
1 can (15oz) tomato sauce (We use Contadina organic from Costco)
4 cups of water
1 can (15oz) garbanzo beans (Publix organic again)
4 stalks of celery, chopped
2 cups of mixed vegetables (carrot, corn, peas, green beans - we use Costco frozen organic)
1 zucchini or yellow squash, chopped
1/4 cup diced mushroom, baby bella preferred
1 white onion, quartered and chopped
2 average sized potatoes, chopped (peeled/unpeeled, your choice)
2 tbsp basil
2 tbsp parsley
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
~1-2 tbsp salt (sea salt here, amount is estimated, always salt to taste)
1 tbsp sugar if desired (takes some of the tartness out from the spices)
3 bay leaves
(Optional) A pinch of xanthan gum (really, a literal pinch)
8 oz small shell style pasta
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Throw everything together in a pot bring to a light roll, then simmer for 1-2 hours. The longer you simmer, the more the flavors of everything gets blended together, especially the sugars from the veggies.
The xanthan gum is optional, since most people won't know what it is let alone have it in their kitchen. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent, similar to flour or corn starch. The it has a slightly different thickening property though, due to it's chemical properties (it's naturally derived though), so it doesn't end up chunky like flour or corn starch, AND it doesn't have any discernible natural flavor. A pinch is all it takes, and it gives the soup broth a slightly thicker consistency.
~15 minutes prior to serving, add pasta while simmering, stirring occasionally. Once pasta is tender, it's ready to serve. Ladle into bowl, top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve. It's great with garlic bread and a small Caesar side salad.