Tuscan veg soup ~ FoodNetwork

Hot vegetable soup is so easy to make and so good during winter . This soup brings nice flavor and is very nutritious.Try it out.....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:
1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium canellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1/2 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 carrots, diced (about 1/2 cup)
2 stalks celery, diced, (about 1/2 cup)
1 small zucchini, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can no salt added diced tomatoes
2 cups chopped baby spinach leaves
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan, optional

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• In a small bowl mash half of the beans with a masher or the back of a spoon, and set aside.
• Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion,carrots,celery, zucchini, garlic, thyme, sage, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and cook stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Add the broth and tomatoes with the juice and bring to a boil. Add the mashed and whole beans and the spinach leaves and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes more.
• Serve topped with Parmesan, if desired.

GOES WELL WITH:
    Slice of Garlic bread

RATING:
****

Bean Soup with Indian Twist

 Bean soup is a very healthy,delicious and spicy soup with indian twist.It is my own version of soup which is very quick and easy to cook.Here is a great tasting bean soup....

INGREDIENTS U NEED:

1.Dry 15 bean soup mix-2cup or Pinto beans
2.Red onion-1(Diced)
3.Canned Plum tomato-1can
4.Zucchini-1(Diced)
5.Celery-1stalk(Diced)
6.Red chilli sauce-3tbs
7.Red chilli flakes-1tbs
8.Pepper powder-1tbs
9.Lime Juice-3tbs
10.Dry oregano-1tbs
11.Salt as needed
12.Extra virgin olive oil

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• Soak the beans separately overnight and drain.
• In a large soup pot, place the beans, the onion, zucchini, tomatoes ,celery and olive oil, and cover by 1-inch with cool water. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. 
• Now Lower the heat and simmer until the beans are tender about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. 
• At this stage Add the sauce, chilli flakes,oregano,pepper powder,salt and turn the heat to high and mix it altogether well and switch off . 
• Divide the soup among 4 bowls and top each bowl of minestrone with a lime juice and serve hot.

GOES WELL WITH:

     Toasted italian bread