Garden Patch Minestrone

So, yes, it’s another soup.  Yes, it’s 103 degrees out.  But soups are quick and easy and always welcomed in this house.  This recipe reminds of one of those “Semi Homemade Meals” by Sandra Lee – part fresh cut veggies and part pre-packaged foods.  Don’t be afraid of the Hamburger Helper in this meal.  You use it for the noodles and seasoning and it makes this dish excellent!  Recipe from Betty Crocker.

Meal Planning: Served with Lemon Bread or English Muffin Bread

Ingredients:

-2 Tbsp olive oil

-2 medium carrots, sliced

-2 medium stalks celery, sliced

-1 small onion, chopped

-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (can sprinkle in some garlic powder instead)

-1 medium zucchini, sliced (we love zucchini so I used 2 instead)

-1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (can substitute 1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning)

-1 box Hamburger Helper beef pasta

-1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained

-5 cups hot water

Directions:

1.  In a large stockpot, heat oil over medium heat.  Add carrots, celery, onion and garlic, cook about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are almost tender.

2.  Stir in zucchini, basil, uncooked pasta and sauce mix (from Hamburger Helper), beans, tomatoes and hot water.  Heat to boiling.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer about 10 minutes or until  pasta and vegetables are tender.

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