minestrone

2 14 ounce cans of beef broth

1 15 ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained.

1 15 ounce can of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinse and drained

1 14 1/2 ounce can stewed tomatoes undrained

1 11 ounce can of vegetable juice

1 6 ounce can tomato paste

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon dried italian seasoning, crushed

1/2 cups loose pack frozen mixed vegetables, such as italian blend

2 cups cooked pasta, such as medium shell macaroni or mostaccioli

2 cups fresh spinach leaves cut into strips

parmesan cheese (optional)

in a 4- quart pot combine beef broth, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, undrained tomatoes, vegetable juice, tomato paste, sugar, and italian seasoning. bring to a boil.

add mixed vegetables, reduce heat. simmer covered, about 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

stir in cooked pasta and fresh spinach.

heat thoroughly

sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.