Minestrone Soup Recipe to Adore

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• 1 (14 ounces / 400 grams) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14 ounces / 400 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup (80 grams) small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• ½ cup (100 grams) rice or barley (optional, for added texture)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt
• black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)