Quick and easy. Add ingredients, leave some out. This soup can be made any of a 100 ways and it will always be satisfying. With the exception of the carrots and the celery, all ingredients can be found on my staples list. Make sure to have these ingredients on hand and to stockpile them when you find a great price. Then you can whip up a quick meal any night of the week!

Remember, even if you aren’t vegetarian, your family can benefit from one night a week of a meatless meal. It is good for your health as well as for your pocket book! And of course its GREEN!

Pasta E Fagoli Serves 6

1 T Olive Oil

1/2 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 celery stalks, sliced

1 carrot, diced

3 C beef stock

3 C water

28 oz can whole tomatoes, chopped

15 oz can cannellini beans (or 2 cups cooked beans)

2 t dried basil

1/4 t red pepper

1 C whole wheat pasta (elbows or shells both work great)

sea salt and pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Heat oil in large saucepan. Add onions, garlic, and celery and saute for 6 minutes.

2. Add stock, water, carrots, tomatoes with juice, beans, basil, and red pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Return soup to a boil. (important or pasta won’t cook!) Add pasta and cook for 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Season with salt and pepper and serve topped with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Now it’s your turn! Have a great recipe that could be served on Meatless Monday? Please link it up below. All I ask is that you link directly to your post so we can find it later. Also, please be sure to add a link back here to Meatless Monday so more people can join in the fun!