Recipe Name Vegetarian Minestrone Submitted by VanbytheRiver Recipe Description Can add shredded chicken or ground beef (sauteed with veggies) for extra flavor for carnivores. Quantity 0 Quantity Unit Prep Time (minutes) 30 Cook Time (minutes) 60 Ready In (minutes) 90

Ingredients Amount Measure Ingredient 1 cup, chopped Onion, chopped 1 cup, diced celery 1 large (7-1/4" to 8-1/2" long) carrots diced 3 cloves garlic minced 1 cup, chopped green pepper, chopped 2 medium (2-1/4" to 3-1/4" dia.) potatoes, peeled, chopped 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups chicken broth or stock 12 fliud ounces Tomato juice, canned 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes 1 can (15 oz) black beans, canned, rinsed 1 cup elbow shaped Macaroni, whole-wheat, dry 1/4 cup parsley, chopped 1/4 cup cilantro, fresh, chopped 1/2 fruit (2-1/8" dia) 1 lemons juiced 1 tablespoon Spices, ground cumin 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Steps Sequence Step 1 Saute onion,celery,carrots, peppers, garlic in olive oil in large pot about 8-10 minutes. 2 Add tomatoes, tomato juice, broth and enough water to cover. Simmer 20 minutes longer. 3 Add black beans, macaroni,cumin, cayenne pepper and lemon juice. Cook 8 minutes till noodles are tender. 4 Add parsley, cilantro and heat through. If mixture is too thick, add water to make it more "soupy". 5 Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Salt and pepper to taste.