Kari's Vegetarian Minestrone

Topped with croutons or served with French bread, this vegetarian minestrone delivers tons of veggies and beans in every spoonful.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 25 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
• Calories: 218 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups water
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons dried basil
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans
• 1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 cup chopped baby carrots
• 1 large zucchini, chopped
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, or more to taste
• 4 medium mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup shredded fresh spinach
• 1 pinch ground thyme

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Saute oil and garlic in a large pot over medium-low heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add onion and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add carrots and saute for 3 minutes, followed by zucchini, mushrooms, and finally potato. Add more oil if necessary.

Step 2

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spinach; cook for 3 minutes. Stir in vegetable broth, water, kidney beans, basil, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour; the more simmer time the better.