Name: Thick and Hearty Minestrone Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: serves 8
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1/2 of a large onion); 1 cup sliced or diced carrots (1-2 large carrots or a handful of baby carrots); 1 cup sliced or diced celery (2-3 stalks); 1 cup sliced or diced zucchini (about 1 small); 4 garlic cloves, minced; a bunch of Italian seasoning (I used a generous Tablespoon)*; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 5-6 cups vegetable or chicken broth*; 2 cups water; 2-3 teaspoons red wine vinegar*; 1 bay leaf; 1 (14 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed*; 1 (14 ounce) can butter beans, drained and rinsed*; 1 (14 ounce) can green beans, drained and rinsed*; 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (do not drain); 1 (8 ounce) can tomato paste; 1 and 1/3 cups uncooked rice or pasta*; 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped; parmesan cheese, for serving