Low Carb Homemade Minestrone Soup (Vegan & Gluten Free) #lowcarb

These Easy Minestrone Soup are the perfect homemade comforting meal on a chilly day. Best of all, this classic minestrone soup recipe is healthy, hearty & full of fresh vegetables and beans.

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion , about 1/3 cup, diced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 medium carrot (about 1 cup) , chopped
• 1 large celery stalk (about 1 cup) , chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 32 oz can diced tomatoes , (I usually use fire-roasted or Italian-style)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (32 oz carton - 4 cups) low sodium vegetable broth
• 1 medium zucchini (around 2/3 cups) , sliced into halves or quarters
• 1/4 cup canned or cooked red kidney beans , drained and rinsed (leave out for paleo & low carb)
• 1/4 cup canned or cooked cannellini beans, chickpeas OR great northern beans , drained and rinsed (leave out for paleo & low carb)
• water - add only as much as needed to cover vegetables
• 1/4 cup dried small shell pasta , (use gluten free if necessary)(leave out for paleo & low carb and add chopped cauliflower & green beans instead))
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach chopped , optional
• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar , optional but adds great flavor
• Shredded or grated Parmesan cheese , for serving
• Fresh parsley finely chopped , for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large heavy bottomed pot or dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, carrots and celery and saute for about 4 minutes, or until vegetables are slightly softened.
3. Add basil, oregano and thyme and cook for an additional 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, vegetable broth and both of the beans. Depending on how large your pot is, add just enough water to cover the vegetables.
4. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes.
5. Stir in the dried pasta shells and zucchini and cook for another 10 minutes, or until pasta is cooked. Stir in the spinach and allow to wilt (about 1-2 minutes). Add more water as needed if you like a thinner soup.
6. Season with more salt and pepper as needed and stir in balsamic vinegar (if using).
7. Serve warm with bread and top with Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley if desired.

NOTES:

• You can serve this hearty soup with a side salad or some crusty bread and dig in!
• This hearty minestrone soup is especially perfect for those cold nights when you don’t want to go out. Just grab a blanket and curl up with a cozy bowl.