Recipe: Kathy Smith's Hearty Minestrone Soup (low calorie)

KATHY SMITH'S HEARTY MINESTRONE SOUP

1 medium onion, slice thin
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can ready-cut tomatoes (or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes)
1 (16 ounce) package frozen mixed Italian-style vegetables
1 cup reduced-sodium tomato juice (or v8 juice)
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth or beef broth
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 to 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup uncooked pasta (small shape)
1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, drained
1/4 cup shredded parmesan

In large soup pot, saute onion and garlic in oil over medium heat until onion is soft.

Add tomatoes, veggies, tomato juice, broth, sugar and seasonings. Bring to boil and add macaroni and beans. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer approximately 20 minutes. If soup is too thick add more tomato juice or water.

Serve with 1 tablespoon Parmesan sprinkled on top.

1 cup = about 127 calories

Makes 8 servings (1 cup each)