My Minestrone

We have Wednesday night *Soup and Bread Suppers* during Lent at our church and this will be the one I do this year when it's my turn.  I love soup - it's SUCH a comfort food.  I hope you enjoy this one.  Serve it with some crusty French Bread rolls and fresh fruit for a filling weekend meal.  Serves 8-10

Ingredients:

• 1 pound extra lean hamburger
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 small zucchini, diced
• 3 cups cooked Great northern beans
• 1 large can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon Italian herb mix
• 1/2 teasponn dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon beef bullion granules
• 1 - 1 1/2 quarts water
• 1 cup dry macaroni or penne (or pasta of choice)
• chopped fresh parsley and/or shredded parmesan cheese for garnish

Directions:  In a large soup pot or dutch oven, brown hamburger.  Add onions and garlic, cooking until onions are translucent.  Add next 11 ingredients.  Saute for 3-5 minutes.  Cover with water and simmer for 20 minutes.  Stir in pasta and simmer an additional 10-15 minutes.  Garnish as desired.

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