(Family Features) Cool winter days and their cold, crisp air call for a quick warmup in the form of a classic combo: soup and sandwich. Next time you need warmed up from the inside out, go for a homemade pairing that brings together a cheesy handheld and hearty minestrone.
When you sit down for a wintertime meal with the family, 3-Bean Tortellini Minestrone – powered by READ 3-Bean Salad – plays the ideal complement to griddled sandwiches as a filling soup without the hassle.
To find more comforting meal ideas made for combatting the cold, visit AuntNellies.com and READSalads.com.
3-Bean Tortellini Minestrone
Recipe courtesy of “Joy of Eating”
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
1 can (15 ounces) READ 3-Bean Salad
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
3 peeled garlic cloves, minced
2 pinches salt, plus additional to taste, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus additional to taste, divided
3 small carrots, trimmed, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, trimmed and diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 Parmesan rind (optional)
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
9-10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups baby spinach
jarred pesto, for serving (optional)
Drain and rinse bean salad; set aside.
In large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions, garlic and 1 pinch salt; saute until translucent, 3-4 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add carrots, celery and zucchini with remaining pinch salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp tender, 5-7 minutes.
Stir in tomatoes. Add Parmesan rind, if desired. Cook about 10 minutes until most tomato juice evaporates. Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to boil. Add tortellini; cook 2 minutes, or just until tender. Stir in bean salad and spinach. Cook 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Season with additional salt and black pepper, to taste. Serve garnished with pesto, if desired.
Source: Seneca Foods
