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Easy California Minestrone Soup
(Serves 8)2 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 lb orange- or yellow/white-fleshed sweetpotatoes, cut into 1/2-in dice (about 3 c)
2 stalks celery, diced
3 Tbsp tomato paste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp salt, or more to taste
1 1/2 tsp pepper, or more to taste
8 cup chicken or vegetable broth
One 28-oz can diced tomatoes
One 15-oz can garbanzo beans, drained
One 15-oz can kidney beans, drained
3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
3/4 cup fresh or frozen peas
2 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano
1/2 cup grated, shredded, or shaved Parmesan cheese
In a large saucepan or small stockpot over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Add sweetpotatoes, celery, tomato paste, garlic, salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes and beans and bring to a boil. Add pasta and peas, reduce to a simmer, and cook until vegetables and pasta are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in oregano and more salt and pepper to taste. Serve sprinkled with cheese. For more recipes and information about California sweetpotatoes, visit www.casweetpotatoes.com.