Recipe of the Week
From the taste kitchen of Dr. Sarah Laginess and Family
Chickpea Tomato Minestrone
Serves 6 (or less with lots of yummy leftovers!)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes, not drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth (use homemade if possible)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup of pasta (not spaghetti or long noodles)
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and washed thoroughly (or about a cup and a half of cooked chickpeas)
- 1 bunch of swiss chard, stems and leaves separated & chopped
- Salt / Pepper
- Dash of Red Pepper flakes
- Parmesan, for garnish [omit to make vegan]
In a large stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Saute for 5 minutes or until the veggies begin to soften. Next, add in the garlic and saute for another 30 seconds. Then add the tomato paste, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with the juices from the can), and oregano. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 20 minutes.
Add in the stems of swiss chard, chickpeas, and pasta. Let cook for another 10 minutes. Finally, add the swiss chard leaves and let cook for 30 seconds or just until the leaves start to wilt. Remove from heat.
Add salt / pepper / red pepper flakes to taste and top with Parmesan.
Notes:
-I have used chicken broth before if I don’t have any vegetable broth on hand.
-Spinach is a good substitute for the chard.
-I will sometimes put in a variety of small noodles just to finish off those boxes that are not quite a serving.
-If you’re a meat lover, some smoked sausage would be a delicious addition.
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