Autumn Minestrone Soup Recipe

Saturday marks the first day of Fall, and I couldn't think of a better way to kick things off that with my delicious one-pot Autumn Minestrone Soup Recipe.

The thing that I love most about this soup is that not only is it one of those warm, hearty meals that you long for in the cooler Autumn months, but it's super healthy for you and can be ready in 30 minutes.  THAT'S RIGHT!  I said ready in 30 minutes!  I can't wait to share it with you so let's get started!

Autumn Minestrone:
*Prep Time: 10 min.  *Cook Time: 30 min. *Difficulty:  Easy  *Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 2 Carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 Large Sweet Potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 Zucchini, quartered and sliced
• 1 Onion, finely diced
• 3 Cloves of Garlic, minced
• 2 c Kale, stemmed and chopped
• 8 c Vegetable Stock
• 1 28 oz can of Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can of White Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 c Barley
• 1/2 tsp Thyme
• 1/2 tsp Rosemary
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

As I said earlier, this is a one pot meal!

So to begin you will place all of your prepared vegetables into a Dutch Oven or stock pot over medium/high heat with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil, the herbs, and a little salt and pepper.  Gently stir everything around allowing the onions to soften for 2-3 minutes.

Now add the beans and again, stir everything around.

It's time to add the vegetable stock and crushed tomatoes.

Give everything a stir and taste for seasoning.  At this point, add any salt and pepper you feel it may need.  Now bring the Autumn Minestrone to a boil.

Once you've brought the Autumn Minestrone to a boil, you can add the barley.

I know what you're thinking.  BARLEY?!? You don't use barley in minestrone!  And you're totally right.  Traditionally you would use ditalini pasta, but to make this Autumn Minestrone a little healthier, I like to use a whole grain like barley.  It's filling and delicious, and it doesn't have the white starches that your body just doesn't like all that much.

Simmer your Autumn Minestone for 30 minutes and you're ready!
**If you see that your pot is getting too dry as the barley absorbs the stock, just add a little water**

Look at all of this mouthwatering fall goodness!  Packed full of healthy vegetables and whole grains, this Autumn Minestrone is sure to be one of your family's favorites this season.  Best part...it can all be accomplished in one pot!  So get in the kitchen and give it a try tonight!