Minestrone Soup
Ingredients:
1 Cup Dried Pinto Beans
8 Cups Water
2 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil
1 Medium Onion, Chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 Tsp. Salt
1/4 Tsp. Pepper
1 - 5.5 oz. Tomato Paste
1 Tsp. Oregano
1 - 20 oz. Tin Tomatoes
1-1/2 Cup Celery, Chopped Coarse 1 Tsp. Basil
1/2 Cup Fresh Parsley, Chopped
2 Cups Green Beans, cut 1"
1 Cup Sliced Mushrooms
1/4 Cup Elbow Macaroni
Directions:
In a large saucepan bring Beans & Water to a boil. Boil for 2 mins. Remove from heat, cover & let stand for 1 hr. In a skillet, saute Oil, Onion, Celery, Parsley & Garlic. Cook until onions are transparent. Stir Vegetables into Beans & Seasonings. Bring to a boil & simmer gently for 1-1/2 hours. Add Tomatoes & Tomato Paste & cook an additional 1/2 hr. or until Beans are tender. Add Green Beans, Mushrooms & Macaroni & cook for 10-15 mins. until Macaroni is tender. To serve, sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese. Serves 8 generous portions.