Green Style Minestrone

Ingredients:

• 2-3 TBSP - Olive Oil

• 3 Slices - Thick Cut Bacon (omit for vegetarian version)

• 1 Each - Onion

• 2 Each - Celery Stalks

• 1 Each - Zucchini

• 1 Handful - Fresh String Beans

• 6 Oz Bag - Spinach

• 3 Cloves - Garlic, minced

• 8 Cups - Chicken or Vegetable Stock

• 1 Cup - Pasta (i.e., tiny shells, ditalini, orzo)

• 1 Each - Bay Leaf

• 1 TBSP - Dried Parsley

• Grated Parmesan Reggiano

• Salt & Pepper

Preparation:

1. Dice onion and chop celery, zucchini, and string beans into bite size pieces.

2. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

3. Slice bacon into bite size pieces and cook until browned.

4. Add onion, celery, zucchini and cook about 3 minutes, then add garlic and bay leaf and continue cooking until browned and fork tender.

5. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.

6. Add pasta, string beans, spinach, and parsley and cook until pasta is al dente.

7. Remove bay leaf, ladle into bowls and top with grated cheese.

8. Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• Add more veggies in lieu of pasta for a low carb version.

• Get creative! Substitute ground pork sausage for the bacon or collards or kale for the spinach.