Spinach-Basil Green Minestrone Soup Recipe

Basil Healthy Recipes: Spinach-Basil Green Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces thick cut nitrate/nitrate-free prosciutto, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery with leaves, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 16oz cannellini beans (or other white bean)
• 16oz garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup mini penne pasta (or wheat-free pasta of your choice)
• ½ pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 10 ounces spinach, stems removed and coarsely chopped, or chard
• ½ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (or parsley)

Procedure:

1. Heat a large pot over medium high heat. Add  oil and prosciutto. Sauté for 2 minutes, then add onions, celery, garlic, zucchini, and  bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Add  white beans, garbanzo beans, and chicken broth. Cover and bring to a boil.
3. Add pasta and green beans and cook for 8 minutes, or until pasta is al dente (just tender). Stir in spinach to wilt, about 1 minute. Stir in cheese and serve in soup bowls. Top each serving with basil or parsley. Makes four servings.

Source: foodfacts.mercola.com