Recipe: Vegetable Minestrone with White Beans

By Kathy Smith, creator of Kathy Smith's Project:YOU! Type 2^®

With 9 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber per serving, this soup is rich, hearty, healthy . . . and vegan! Just the thing to help you make it through the last few remaining weeks of winter (if you can trust that Pennsylvanian rodent's prognosticative powers).

• 2 cups precooked white beans
• 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced into medium pieces
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 4 medium stalks celery, cleaned and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 6 to 12 cloves garlic, peeled and trimmed of root ends
• 1 cup cubed squash
• 4 cups spinach (or any preferred greens)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 8 cups (64 oz.) vegetable stock or broth*
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs (to taste)

Heat stock. In a separate large soup pot, heat olive oil. Add carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and potatoes. Sauté for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add greens and sauté for 5 minutes, then add white beans, parsley, and squash and season lightly. Add hot stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender but still retain their shape. Adjust seasonings. Serves 6.

*For thinner consistency, add more water and simmer an additional 10 minutes.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 to 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories	Protein	Fiber	Carbs	Fat Total	Saturated Fat
281	9 g	8 g	42 g	9 g	1 g