Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 large green pepper, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 1 celery heart, chopped
  • 2 medium summer squash, chopped
  • 1 small zucchini, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 64 ounces low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (11 1/2 ounce) canlow-sodium v-8 vegetable juice
  • 1 (14 1/2 ounce) canlow-sodium diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 1/2 ounce) can small white beans, rinsed
  • 12 teaspoon crushed garlic (to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 14 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 chicken bouillon cubes (optional)
  • 1 (14 1/2 ounce) canlow-sodium French style green beans
  • 1 (14 1/2 ounce) canlow-sodium wax beans
  • 1 (8 1/2 ounce) canlow-sodium peas
  • 2 cups fresh Baby Spinach (optional)

Method

  • Saute chopped vegetables (except squash & zucchini) in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes.
  • Add chicken broth, V-8 juice (can substitute 8 oz.
  • tomato sauce, if necessary), diced tomatoes, white beans, crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, black pepper, and (if using) chicken bouillon cubes.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Add diced squash and zucchini and continue simmering for 15 minutes.
  • Add French-style green beans, wax beans, and peas and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, and if including baby spinach, stir it into the soup while the soup is hot so it will wilt into the soup before serving or storing.
  • Variations for individual bowls:.
  • Garnish with 1 teaspoon of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
  • Pasta Fagioli variation - add 2 tablespoons of cooked elbow or other small pasta and 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese before re-heating to simulate Pasta Fagioli for a main course serving.
  • Southwest variation - add 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1 tablespoon leftover canned corn, and a dash of cayenne or 1 teaspoon of picante sauce before reheating.
  • Indian Curry variation - add 1/2 teaspoon curry powder and 1 tablespoon plain low-fat yogurt before reheating.
  • Elevate any version to a main course serving by adding a little leftover cooked chicken, pork, or ham before reheating.