Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup

1/2 cup dried minced onion

2-3 tsp minced garlic cloves

2 cans of sliced carrots

3 carrots, sliced

2-3 red potatoes, cubed

2 cans (15-oz.) black beans (or kidney beans which is more traditional -- but I didn't have them)

1 can (15-oz.) garbanzo beans

1-2 cans (28-oz.) diced tomatoes, according to your taste

1 can (15-oz.) tomato sauce

1 can garlic basil flavored tomato paste

1 lb. browned italian sausage

2 T. parsley

1 t. oregano

2 t. basil

1 tsp celery salt (since I didn't have celery)

(I would have added 2 bay leaves but I didn't have those either)

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

2 T. beef base

4-5 c. water

1 box cooked pasta

Combine ingredients in crock pot (meat can be added later).  Cook until vegetables are tender.  Add cooked pasta shortly before serving, quantities according to your taste. 



Here is my "crock pot". I gave up on real crock pots and now use this roaster. It works perfect! I can control the temp so much better. I have plenty of room to make something that will feed my family and guests! And it is easy to clean since the bowl lifts right out!