Mixed Bean Soup with Pasta

This is great served in warm homemade bread bowls.

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 3 quarts vegetable stock
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes in puree
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• 2 medium carrots, trimmed, scrubbed and cut into 1/2 inch dice
• 2 medium stalk celery ribs, washed and cut into 1/2 inch dice
• 3/4 cup onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, cored and cut into 1/2 inch dice
• 1 small red bell pepper, cored and cut into 1/2 inch dice
• 8 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 cup dry pasta, Penne or Rotini
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In large soup pot combine everything except pasta, vinegar, and black pepper; bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered until carrots are tender crisp, stirring occasionally.
2. Add pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in vinegar and season with pepper.
4. Serve in warm bread bowls.

Notes

To lower the sodium content of this soup either purchase unsalted beans, or simply rinse the canned beans thoroughly before using. You can also purchase unsalted vegetable stock and tomatoes. As you can see by the recipe we have not ADDED any salt; only herbs and pepper as our seasonings.

Nutrition

Per serving: 164 calories, 8g protein, 32g carbohydrates, 9g fiber, 2g fat (0g saturated), 0mg cholesterol, 41mcg folate, 3mg iron and 613mg sodium (which could be reduced by following the tip given above)

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: Wheat Foods Council