Minestrone. Not Mediocre.

As promised here is my minestrone:

I have made minestrone enough times that I don't use a recipe anymore.  You don't really need one because it's the easiest thing ever.  Here's what I threw in mine this time:

1 onion
2 cloves garlic
2 carrots
2 stalks celery
1 zucchini
1 tomato
1 red pepper
A couple of handfuls of green and yellow beans
1 can of kidney beans
1 can diced tomatoes
3 cups of homemade chicken stock
A few dashes of thyme, marjoram and rosemary
1 cup of little pastas - I like orzo, but you can use whatever shape you like.  You can also break spaghetti into smaller pieces or use quinoa even


So that's my recipe.  All you really need to do is chop everything up into bite sized pieces, sautee the onions and garlic for a few minutes on medium heat until they're soft and add the other veggies.

I like to add the spices before I add the really wet stuff (stock and tomatoes) and let them sweat in the pot for a minute or two.

Once the spices become fragrant you can add the tomatoes, beans and chicken stock.  You should simmer on low for at least 20 minutes, but it doesn't seem to matter if you simmer longer.  Just make sure you put the pasta in near the end.  Small pasta usually takes about 7 minutes to cook.

I have a love of soups.  This is probably my favorite one because it's the only time I ever enjoy eating vegetables.

What is your favorite soup recipe?  I am always on the look out for new and interesting soups.