Recipe: Minute Minestrone

While nothing can beat the taste of real, home-made minestrone made from scratch with loads of fresh summer vegetables, if you're in a hurry, this stand-in version can be ready in a jiffy! For a tasty, healthy, one-pot meal that is on the table in minutes, this is a great alternative when you're hungry and pressed for time.

Minute Minestrone
(Serves 4-6.)

Ingredients:

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
1 can (48 oz) chicken broth
1 cup tomato-vegetable juice (such as V-8, or fresh-made if you have a juicer)
2 tsp red wine vinegar
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) garbanzo beans, drained
1 can (14 oz) cut green Italian style beans, drained
1 can (4 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained
salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions:

• In a large pot over medium heat, put the olive oil and onion and cook until the onion is just softened, then add the garlic and cook just until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the seasoning, chicken broth, tomato juice, and red wine vinegar and cook until heated thoroughly.
• Turn heat to low and add the remaining ingredients. Slightly cover pot and simmer slowly for 10 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve immediately in big bowls with bread if desired, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.