Minestrone

INGREDIENTS

• 1 – 1.5 lb italian sausage
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 cups fresh green beans, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 3 ribs celery, sliced
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can great northern beans OR pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups water
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 1 Tablespoon parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon basil
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 Tablespoons beef base
• 2 Tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups small pasta (like macaroni, ditalini, orecchiette ,etc.)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Brown and crumble sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. When meat is half-way cooked through, add diced onions. Continue to stir and cook until meat is mostly cooked through.
3. Add garlic and continue cooking and stirring 1-2 minutes, or until meat is completely cooked through.
4. Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT for pasta. Stir together. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
5. Return soup to a boil over medium-high heat, add pasta and boil for 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.