I decided I was so hungry for minestrone and hadn't had it for a long time nor have I made it for forever.
Here's my version. And the good news is that my picky eaters really like it!
Charla's Minestrone
1-2 TBSP coconut oil
1 pkg sweet Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
1 small onion, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
1 small green pepper, diced
1 spicy banana type pepper, diced (I have no idea what it was; someone gave it to me from their garden
)
3 carrots, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
Saute the above together until sausage is brown.
Add:
1 qt veggie stock
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can great northern beans, undrained
Season with salt, pepper, granulated onion, granulated garlic, dried basil, dried oregano.
Bring to boil.
Add:
3/4 cup orzo
1 zucchini, diced
2 handfuls green beans, trimmed and cut into 1/2" pieces
1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
1 handful spinach or spinach arugula mix, chopped
Simmer until orzo is tender.
Serve with shredded parmesan cheese on top.