Minestrone (volumetrics)

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable juice (v8)
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 1/4 cups cored diced tomatoes
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• black pepper
• 3/4 cup small whole wheat pasta, cooked separately (shells or other shape)
• 1 cup canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups shredded spinach

Recipe

• 1 heat the oil in a 4 to 5 quart pan over medium heat. add onions and carrots and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• 2 add the water, juice, broth, tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and pepper. bring the soup to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
• 3 add the cooked pasta, beans, and spinach and cook on medium-low until spinach wilts.