Health Hotline Magazine | April 2021

Organic Veggie-Loving Minestrone SERVES: 6 | PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 50 MINUTES This rustic Italian soup is a perfect one-pot meal for chilly spring nights. We’ve loaded ours with good4u SM vegetables like carrots, celery, garlic, onion, zucchini, asparagus, and peas, making it easy—and delicious—to eat your vegetables. Don’t let the long list of ingredients scare you—this complete meal comes together easily and is delicious left over too! INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat a large stock pot over medium heat. Once hot add the olive oil, swirl to coat and then add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. 2. Add the tomatoes, broth, water, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and salt and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. 3. Stir in the zucchini, beans, and pasta. Adjust heat as needed to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Stir in the asparagus, cover and continue to simmer another 8 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add the peas, cover and cook 2 more minutes, or until pasta is al dente. 4. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve hot topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

INGREDIENTS •

2 tablespoons Natural Grocers ™ Brand Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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1 medium organic onion, diced

2 medium organic carrots, halved lengthwise and sliced into ¼-inch slices 3 medium stalks organic celery, ends trimmed and cut into ¼-inch slices

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4 cloves organic garlic, minced

2 (14.5-ounce) cans Natural Grocers Brand Organic Italian Diced Tomatoes

4 cups organic vegetable broth

2 cups water

1 tablespoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Italian Seasoning Blend 2 Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Whole Bay Leaves ¾ teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Real Salt 1 medium organic zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut into ½-inch pieces 1 (15.5-ounce) can Natural Grocers Brand Organic Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed • 1½ cups Natural Grocers Brand Organic Gluten Free White Rice Elbows or Fusilli Pasta • 1 bunch organic asparagus, stems trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 cup Natural Grocers Brand Organic Frozen Peas • Natural Grocers Brand Organic Parmesan Cheese Shreds (optional for topping) • • • •

38 | Health Hotline ®