3 Bean Minnestrone

from Make Ahead Meals Made Healthy by Michelle Borbora

Ingredients:
3 TBSP olive oil
1 pound sweet Italian turkey sausage, casings removed, crumbled
1 onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
4 carrots, diced
3 cloves minced garlic
3 cans crushed tomatoes
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 TBSP dried Italian seasoning
1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed, snapped into 1-2 inch pieces
1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups whole wheat elbow macaroni
shaved Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions:

1.  Heat olive oil in a stock pot over medium heat.  Add sausage and cook, stirring often until lightly browned.  Use a slotted spoon to transfer to plate.

2.  Add onion, celery, and carrots and cook, stirring often until vegetables are just soft.  Stir in garlic and cook, stirring often.  Add tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, beans and sausage, stirring to combine.  Bring to a simmer and season with salt and pepper.

3.  If you are adding pasta, cook it in boiling water for 1 minute less than package directions.  Pasta should be toothsome, not mushy soft.  Drain and add to soup. Remove from heat and let cool.