Minestrone Soup )DD)

1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 cup onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 quart low-fat beef or chicken broth
3/4 cup canned tomatoes, crushed
1/2 cup canned kidney beans, drained
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1 cup zucchini, diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried marjoram leaves
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
1/2 cup macaroni, uncooked (whole wheat, etc.)

Put olive oil in frying pan, and add onion and garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until onion is tender.

Add remaining ingredients, except macaroni. Stir to mix well.

Cover bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.

Bring soup to a boil again. Add macaroni. Reduce heat and simmer an additional 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmer until vegetables and are cooked.

Remove bay leaft and serve hot.

Note: topping with parmesian cheese is great too!

Serving Size: makes 6 servings divided equally

Number of Servings: 6

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user DONNAFORJESUS.