Italian Recipes - Minestrone

Ingredients       

• 2 14-ounce cans chicken broth with Italian herbs

• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup dried ditalini (tiny thimbles) or tiny bow-tie pasta

• 1 medium zucchini, chopped (1 1/4 cups)

• 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes with onions and garlic, un-drained

• 15- to 19-ounce can cannelloni beans (white kidney beans) or navy beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/4 cup slivered fresh basil or spinach

• Bottled hot pepper sauce (optional)

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Method:

1. In a large saucepan combine broth and carrots. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Stir in uncooked pasta. Simmer, uncovered, about 8 minutes or just until pasta is tender. Add zucchini, un-drained tomatoes, and beans; heat through.

3. Sprinkle individual servings with basil or spinach. If desired, pass bottled hot pepper sauce.