Yet Another Minestrone

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch rounds (i'm lazy and use shredded carrots from a bag)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14 ounce) can beef stock or 1 (14 ounce) can chicken stock or 1 (14 ounce) can vegetable stock
• 1/2-1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/2-1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup small macaroni noodles (other other small pasta, i generally take a fistful of spaghetti and break it up)
• 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, undrained
• 8 ounces fresh spinach, cut into thin strips (i use frozen chopped spinach)
• 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley (i use 1 t dried)
• parmesan cheese (for topping)

Recipe

• 1 combine the onion, garlic and carrots in a large pot or soup kettle and cook, covered, over low heat till onion is soft and translucent, about 10-15 minutes.
• 2 stir occasionally and add a little water or stock if necessary to prevent scorching.
• 3 add tomatoes, stock, oregano, marjoram, basil and pepper and bring to a boil over med high heat.
• 4 add pasta and cook till tender, about 10 minutes.
• 5 add the beans and their liquid, the spinach and parsley and cook till heated through, about 5 more minutes.
• 6 serve with grated parmesan cheese on the side to sprinkle on top, if desired.