Ingredients

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 carrot, cut into chunks
  • 1 celery, sliced including top
  • 1 potato, scrubbed and cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 2 cups tomato juice
  • 2 cups water or 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon mixed Italian herbs
  • 14 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 14 cup pasta shells
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 cup finely chopped kale or 1 cup collard greens or 1 cup spinach
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil

Method

  • Combine onion, garlic, carrot, celery, potato, and parsley in a large pot.
  • Add tomato juice, water or broth, Italian herbs, and black pepper.
  • Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook 20 minutes.
  • Add zucchini, pasta, kidney beans, chopped greens, and basil.
  • Cover and simmer until pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Add extra tomato juice or water for a thinner soup.