All Day Minestrone

Ok, well, not all day, but it simmered for the afternoon.  This soup was delish.  I thought it had just enough flavor not to be bland, but it wasn't overpowering.  My kids whined... because it's CHOCK FULL OF VEGETABLES AND HEALTHY!!!  We had it with burgers so that they could have some good protein to round out the meal.  Try for yourself!!  You could probably toss all this stuff (after sauteeing the onion and garlic) into a crockpot and let it sit on low until you get home from work then add the beans.


All Day Minestrone

Ingredients:
1 large onion, diced
2 tablespoons EVOO
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 medium head cauliflower, broken/cut into pieces
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
6 cups water*
5 teaspoons chicken base*
28-ounce can diced tomatoes
14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
15-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
optional 1/2 cup macaroni noodles (I left this out)

Instructions:
Heat EVOO in large pot and add onion and garlic to simmer until onion is translucent - about 5 minutes.  Add next 3 veggies and herbs and mix.  Let cook a few more minutes then add the rest of ingredients, except beans (and noodles if you choose to use them).  Let simmer for about 4 hours, then add beans(and noodles) and simmer one more 1/2 hour to hour.  ENJOY!!

*you can also use chicken broth - I would recommend a low-sodium broth

Nutrition facts from www.fatsecret.com based on 10 servings.
Per serving: Calories - 130, Fat - 3.38g, Cholesterol - 0g, Sodium - 755mg, Potassium - 271mg, Carbs - 21.58g, Protein 5.06g