Minestrone

Minestrone is a thick, Italian soup with a chicken broth base with a lot of room for variety. This comes from the PBS website.   http://www.pbs.org/food/recipes/

Minestrone

Ingredients
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 carrots halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise

1 red bell pepper (ribs and seeds removed) cut into 1/2-inch pieces
8 ounces green beans stem ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch lengths
3 garlic cloves thinly sliced
1/3 cup couscous
1 can (14.5 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (15.5 ounces) navy beans drained and rinsed
Coarse salt
Flat-leaf parsley leaves (optional)
Shaved Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Directions
1 - In a 3-quart microwave-safe dish, place oil, carrots, bell pepper, green beans, and garlic; stir to coat. Cover and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
2 - Add couscous, broth, tomato paste, navy beans, 1 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt. Cover; microwave on high until vegetables and couscous are tender, 5 minutes. If desired, stir in parsley, and garnish with cheese.
* Tips/Techniques
This hearty and colorful soup is perfect on a chilly night.

http://www.pbs.org/food/recipes/minestrone/