Procrastination Recipe: Minestrone with Cheesy Garlic Bread

Last night Molly hosted her annual Golden Globes party. As has become a tradition, I make the main course for the event. In previous years I've done tomato soup and grilled cheese, veggie chili, and a make your own taco bar. With the temps below freezing, I felt a hearty soup was in order.

Ingredients:

1 stick unsalted butter

1 carton veggie broth

1 large can diced tomatoes

1 large can crushed tomatoes

1 cup frozen spinach

3 small zucchini

3 cloves garlic

1 large onion

1 can red beans

1 can cannelini beans

1 small can of green beans

2 cups pasta of choice

* What's great about this soup is you can really use whatever veggies you prefer.

Melt butter in a deep pot. Saute onion until translucent. Add garlic, spinach and zucchini and cook until it softens. Over medium heat add all the remaining ingredients and cook, occasionally stirring, until pasta is soft (about ten minutes). Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Cheesy-Garlic Bread:

1 loaf of your choice of bread

1 stick unsalted butter

3-4 cups cheese (I went with mild cheddar and parmesan)

3 cloves of garlic, minced

Directions: Melt the stick of butter and cook on low for 5 minutes so flavors can meld. Cup loaf in half and pour over bread.

Top with cheese and bake at 350 degree until melted, about 10 minutes. Cut and serve with soup.

 

*If you want a healthier side you can just leave off the cheese.

Happy Eating!

~Stephanie