This One Pot Hearty Minestrone Soup is great! It’s hearty, healthy and so good for you! It’s super-customisable and very affordable.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons Thrive Algae Oil

1 large (188g) red onion, diced

4 stalks celery, diced

1 large carrot or two medium-sized carrots (226g), diced

1 medium-sized yellow squash, chopped

5 cloves (12g) garlic, minced

26 ounces/737g fresh tomatoes, chopped — you can also use a 28 oz can diced tomatoes with its juices

1 tablespoon (16.5g) tomato paste

Salt & pepper to taste (I use 3/4 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper)

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or 1 teaspoon dried oregano,

1 teaspoon dried parsley,

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon za’atar (optional but adds a boost in flavour)

1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans or cannellini (white beans)

6 cups vegetable broth*

1 cup dry pasta such as shells, orecchiette or tortellini or any gluten-free pasta

1 cup spinach

Juice of one lime about 1-2 tablespoons, squeezed over

Toppings (Optional): Oil drizzle, red pepper flakes, parsley, and/or sprinkle of za’atar or parsley, Crusty bread and vegan Parmesan

Method:

In a large, deep pot over medium-high heat, add half Thrive Algae Oil (1.5 tablespoons) to heat.

Add the onions, celery, carrot, squash and minced garlic. Stir together and allow to sweat for about 8 minutes, to soften and release natural juices from the veggies.

Add in the tomatoes, tomato paste, salt and pepper, Italian seasonings, za’atar, and kidney beans. Add in other half of the Thrive Algae Oil, stir together. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir again.

Bring to a boil, and then to a simmer. Add in the dry pasta and simmer for 20 minutes, until the pasta is fully cooked.

Remove soup from heat and taste-test. Add more salt and pepper if needed. You really want to ensure you’ve added enough to bring out all the flavours. Stir in the spinach and lime juice. The residual heat will help to add heat to all of these.

Allow soup to cool slightly then serve!

Notes: In a soup like this, a high-quality veggie broth makes all the difference. Adding an all-natural veggie broth paste is a great option to get high quality!