Dad's Minestrone Soup

prep time:: 30 min
total time:: 1 hr r

About 12 cups

Dad’s specialty during his “retirement” years. Adjust the amount of vegetables to what you have on hand, and the amount of chicken broth accordingly.

ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup long-grain rice, uncooked (can also use brown rice or pasta)
2 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 14.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes
2-4 14-oz. cans chicken broth, depending upon amount of vegetables
1 or 2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced (summer squash can be mixed in)
1 15 1/2 oz. can cannellini beans, drained (optional)
1 10-oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1/2 lb. ground Italian sausage, browned and drained of fat (optional)
freshly grated Parmesan cheese

directions

Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot and garlic; saute 3 minutes. Add rice, water, seasonings, tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Add zucchini, optional beans and sausage. Cover and cook an additional 10 minutes. Add thawed spinach and simmer for a final 10 minutes. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with cheese.