Soups – Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup
A hearty soup with minimal fat and a flavorful broth.

♥ Use turkey bacon rather than pork.
♥ Use fresh products rather than canned ones to decrease sodium.
♥ Use brown rice instead of pasta.
♥ Use low sodium and low fat broths, preferably homemade.

Makes 10 servings

Ingredients:
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 oz. turkey bacon, diced
1/2 onion, finely diced
2 leeks, finely diced (white part only)
2 stalks celery, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup white wine
1 10-oz. can whole tomatoes, seeds removed and chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
6 cups chicken or vegetable stock, low sodium, low fat
1 tsp. fresh parsley and thyme (each), chopped
1/2 cup cannelini beans, soaked overnight
2 cups brown rice, cooked

Cook turkey bacon, onions, leeks, celery, and garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and wine. Reduce by half. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, bay leaf, stock, and beans. Cook until beans are tender. Remove bay leaf and add rice and herbs.