Hearty Minestrone Soup

Serves 6 to 8 - Taken from Whole Food Market online

Packed with vegetables, beans and pasta, this soup is a meal in itself. Serve with crusty bread and a green salad.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup thinly sliced Savoy cabbage
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped basil
2 large stalks of celery, sliced
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 dried bay leaf
1 (28-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, with their liquid
1 cup dried fusilli pasta
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini or white beans
Salt and pepper to taste
3/4 to 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method
In a large stockpot, heat oil over medium high heat. Add garlic and onions and cook until translucent.

Add broth, cabbage, tomato paste, parsley, basil, celery, carrots, bay leaf, and tomatoes with their juice and cook for 30 to 40 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Add chickpeas, pasta, and beans and simmer for another 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Ladle soup into bowls and serve with Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top.

Nutrition
Per serving (about 18oz/518g-wt.): 280 calories (70 from fat), 8g total fat, 2.5g saturated fat, 10mgcholesterol, 830mg sodium, 41g total carbohydrate (8g dietary fiber, 8g sugar), 12g protein