Hearty Minestrone Soup

INGREDIENTS

garlic cloves, crushed

large onion, diced

1 tsp

coconut or avocado oil

celery stalks, diced

large carrots, diced

2 tsp

basil, dried*

1 tsp

oregano, dried*

1/2 tsp

thyme, dried*

1 1/2 tsp

salt**

1/8 tsp

ground black pepper

28 oz

can diced tomatoes

15 oz

can white kidney (cannellini) beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup

any brown rice, rinsed

9 cups

vegetable broth, low sodium (or 5 cups broth + 4 cups water)

1 1/2 cups

small pasta of choice, dry

large handfuls of spinach or kale, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup

parsley, chopped

1/4 cup

fresh basil, chopped

Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)