Minestrone

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 5 garlic cloves, minced (use fresh garlic only)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• fresh black pepper
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 4 cups water (more if needed)

• 1 (650 ml) jar good spaghetti sauce (meat free)
• 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
• 1 cup dry pasta (any shape)
• 1/2 cup parsley, minced
• parmesan cheese (use soy cheese if vegan)

Directions

1. 1

   Heat the olive oil in nonstick Dutch oven.

2. 2

   Add onion, garlic and salt.

3. 3

   Saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Add celery, carrot, green beans and seasonings.

5. 5

   Cover and cook overy very low heat 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. 6

   Add bell pepper, water and spaghetti sauce.

7. 7

   Cover and simmer 15 minutes.

8. 8

   Add beans and simmer another 5 minutes.

9. 9

   Bring to a gentle boil.

10. 10

    Add pasta.

11. 11

    Stir and cook until pasta is done.

12. 12

    Serve topped with parsley and parmesan.