Ingredients
1 large onion, diced
1 cup diced celery
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes
6 ounces can tomato paste
8 cups water
4 natural vegetable bouillon cubes
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
8 cups assorted vegetables: chopped carrots, zucchini, cabbage, green beans, fresh spinach, whole peas
1 teaspoon crumbled dry oregano
1 teaspoon crumbled dry basil or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons salt or to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni or other small pasta (for gluten- free option, choose a gluten-free pasta)
Directions
1
Sauté onion, celery and garlic in olive oil in an 8-quart pot until soft. Stir in tomatoes and crush gently. Add tomato paste, water, and bouillon cubes. Mix and bring to a boil.
2
Add your choice of vegetables, kidney beans, oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Return to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for about 45 minutes. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the pasta.
3
Thin with additional water, if needed. Ladle soup into bowls. Top with croutons or toasted garlic bread, and dairy or nondairy Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serves 16
Notes:
For a gluten-free version, use one of many available pastas made with rice, quinoa, corn or even lentils—and check your bouillon cube ingredients.