Fast & Easy Minestrone

This recipe is fast & easy, and adaptable. You can use fresh tomatoes if you like, and fool with the vegetables. If you want a lighter version, say, for summer consumption, you could omit the tomato juice and opt for an extra cup of broth. Conversely, if you want a thicker broth for a nice wintery dinner, you could use 2 cups of tomato juice and one cup broth. Serve with nice big green salad & crusty bread. See? Easy.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 1  onion
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2  cloves  minced garlic
• 1 (19 ounce) can tomatoes
• 1  package  frozen vegetables
• 1  cup tomato juice
• 2  cups vegetable broth
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons sugar
• 1  teaspoon basil
• 1  teaspoon oregano
• 1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄2 cup dry pasta (macaroni or rotini)
• 1  can  beans (navy are nice, as are chick peas)

Directions

1. Saute onion& garlic in oil till onions are sweet& clear.
2. Add tomatoes, juice, broth, vegetables, sugar, basil, oregano& pepper.
3. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Add pasta, turn heat to med-low& simmer, covered for 15-20 minutes.
5. Add beans& warm through.