Recipe: Quick Minestrone (serves 2, Weight Watchers, 1983)

QUICK MINESTRONE

"A lot of ingredients right from your pantry and very little effort will produce this hearty meal-in-a-bowl."

2 teaspoons olive oil
3 ounces Canadian bacon, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped zucchini
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup tomato juice
6 ounces canned red kidney beans or pink beans, drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 packet instant beef broth and seasoning mix
1/8 teaspoon oregano leaves
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup cooked ditalini (small tube macaroni)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

In 2-quart saucepan heat oil over medium heat; add bacon and garlic and saute briefly (do not brown garlic).

Add onion, celery, carrot, and zucchini and cook; stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients except ditalini and parsley and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes.

Add ditalini and parsley and let simmer until heated.

Makes 2 servings, about 2 cups each

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 302 Calories; 9g Fat (25.4% calories from fat); 18g Protein; 40g Carbohydrate; 10g Dietary Fiber; 22mg Cholesterol; 1934mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 1 1/2 Lean Meat; 2 1/2 Vegetable; 1 Fat.

Source: Weight Watchers Fast Fabulous Cookbook, 1983