Soups!

Since the weather is turning a little colder (sort of) it is nice to start making all those soup recipes again.  One of my favorites is Minestrone.  Most soups are great food storage recipes as well.  

Gran Marie's Minestrone

1 lb. ground beef, browned

1 qt. water (4 cups)

2 c. onion, chopped

2-3 carrots, sliced

2-3 stalks celery, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 28-oz. can tomatoes, chopped (or 1 qt. tomatoes)

1 8-oz. can tomato sauce

2 c. beef broth (or 2 bouillon cubes with 2 c. water)

1 tsp. parsley flakes

1/2 tsp. basil

1 tsp. oregano

1 can garbanzo beans, drained

1 can kidney beans, drained

1 can green beans, undrained

 12 to 16 oz. pasta noodles (macaroni, penne, rigatoni, shells, etc.)

Brown beef and drain.  Add one qt. water.  Bubble 5 min. to deglaze pan.  Then add remaining ingredients except canned beans and pasta.  Simmer 2 hours for best flavor.  Add beans and pasta and simmer till pasta is tender.  Serves 10.