Minestrone With a Pioneer Twist

Ingredients

• 1 package Pioneer Minis, cut into coins
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 5 cups beef broth
• 3 cups water
• ½ cup dry white beans
• 6 oz. tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp. oregano paste
• ½ tsp. basil leaves
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• ¼ tsp. pepper
• 2 cups zucchini slices
• ½ cup macaroni
• 1 - 10 oz. package frozen mixed veggies
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

 

Preparation

Fry cut-up sausage in large crock-pot until almost done. Add onion and sauté till tender. Add broth, water and beans. Bring to boil and simmer 1 hour. Stir in tomato paste, bay leaf, oregano, basil, parsley and pepper. Boil gently for 30 minutes. Add macaroni, zucchini and veggies. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and boil gently for 8 - 10 minutes. Discard bay leaf before serving. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving

Variation: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of soup once it has been ladled into bowls and broil till cheese is melting and bubbly.