Minestrone Soup

WHAT:

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots

• About 1 cup diced potatoes

• 1 pound ground pork, turkey, or beef

• 1 can fire roasted crushed tomatoes

• 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

• 6 cups broth (or 4 cups broth + 2 cups water)

• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces

• 2 large handfuls kale

• 1.5 cups pasta (I used bow tie)

HOW:

1. Add butter to a large pot and place over medium high heat

2. Add in diced onion and carrots and saute for 3-5 minutes or until onions soften

3. Saute pork, turkey, or beef with the onions and carrots until meat is nice and browned

4. Next add in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper

5. Cover and cook on medium low for 10-15 minutes

6. Stir in the green beans, kale, and pasta

7. Cook uncovered for 8-12 more minutes or until pasta is al dente and green beans are tender

8. Serve in a bowl and with parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!