I've been making minestrone since high school. It's my favorite and my go to soup. This is my most basic and super fast recipe. :)
1.)Lg can of diced tomatoes (28 oz.) or substitute fresh tomatoes, V8, whole or pureed tomatoes, whatever you have on hand...
2.)1-3 bay leaves (important)
3.)Basil (optional, to taste)
4.)Elbow macaroni (or any pasta, preferably small pasta that can hold broth, like small shells, but any pasta will work), 1/2 cup to a cup (less is more, the more pasta, the less broth you have, so keep it in mind)
5.)A can of dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (about a cup cooked, more is ok, but it's important to use kidney beans)
6.) 1/2 cup- 1 1/2 cups mixed vegetables (12 oz. bag, one can of Vegall or a can of mixed vegetables, or chopped fresh vegetables... no broccoli or cauliflower-too overpowering)
7.)3c. water, or refill the tomato can and pour it in
8.)Bouillon for the water to make three cups of broth (Chicken, beef, or any other type you like. I like the "Better than Bouillon" brand because its so flavorful, but I've used bouillon cubes, boxes or broth, and homemade stock)
Put all your stuff in except the macaroni, bring it to a boil, add the macaroni, set the timer for 9-11 minutes (or whatever the box says if you use a different pasta), simmer until the time's up, test the pasta, if it's done, it's ready to eat. :)
If you want to make it fancier chop half an onion before you start and cook it in butter, add some thinly sliced zucchini, and use fresh basil. :)
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