Delicious immunity-boosting minestrone soup

Bursting with flavour and healthy nutrients, this minestrone soup is the perfect way to use fresh vegetables. Have it as a lunch, or serve it as part of a cozy dinner in the winter months.

Preparation time: 50 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Serves: 10

• 2 L (8 c.) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 8 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp.) crushed red pepper
• 30 ml (2 tbsp.) olive oil
• 2 medium leeks, white and pale green parts, washed, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 medium carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise, and sliced
• 500 g (2 c.) cauliflower florets, cut into 1.5 cm (3/4 in.) pieces
• 400 mL (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 250 g (1 c.) green beans, cut into 2.5 cm (1 in.) pieces
• 250 g (1 c.) medium whole wheat pasta shells
• 500 g (2 c.) zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 175 mL (3/4 c.) basil pesto, prepared or homemade

1. Bring the broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the garlic and red pepper. Partially cover the saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes to intensify the flavours.
2. Pour the broth through a strainer into a large bowl, pressing the cooked garlic through the strainer.
3. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks and onion. Cook, stirring often, until softened but not browned, 2 to 4 minutes.
4. Add the broth, carrots, cauliflower, tomatoes and beans. Partially cover and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, make the basil pesto if using homemade.
6. Add the pasta and zucchini to the soup. Partially cover and cook until the pasta and vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Ladle into bowls and stir about 15 ml (1 tbsp.) pesto into each.

Per one cup serving you'll get about 218 calories; 9 g protein; 18 g carbohydrates; 4 g fibre; 14 g fat; 2 g saturated fat, 4 mg cholesterol and 622 mg sodium.

There's nothing like a trip to a farmer's market when the stands overflow with truly fresh produce. What to do with all those veggies when you get home? Simmer them into this delicious soup.