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Minestrone with Garlic Croutons

6 Ratings

2 Comments

Prep 45 min
Total 45 min
Servings 6

Bring a touch of Italy to your dinner table with homemade minestrone that's ready in less than an hour. MORE+ LESS-

By Betty Crocker Kitchens

September 18, 2008

Ingredients

Croutons

cups cubed (1/2 to 3/4 inch) French bread

1/4

cup butter or margarine, melted

1/2

teaspoon garlic powder

1/4

teaspoon seasoned salt

Soup

tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

1 1/2

cups frozen bell pepper and onion stir-fry (from 1-lb bag)

cups frozen mixed vegetables

cans (14.5 oz each) Italian-style stewed tomatoes, undrained

3 1/2

cups Progresso™ beef flavored broth (from 32-oz carton)

1/2

cup uncooked small pasta shells (2 oz)

can (15 oz) Progresso™ dark red kidney beans, drained, rinsed

Steps

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1

Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, mix crouton ingredients until bread is well coated. In ungreased 15x10x1-inch pan, spread croutons. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, stirring and turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
2

Meanwhile, in 4-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add stir-fry vegetables. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in mixed vegetables, tomatoes and beef broth. Heat to boiling, breaking up tomatoes with spoon as mixture cooks. Stir in pasta. Cook uncovered over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables and pasta are tender.
3

Stir in beans. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated. Top each serving with warm croutons.

Expert Tips

The fresh croutons are wonderful, but if you don't feel like making them, use purchased garlic or Parmesan croutons instead.
For a heartier soup, you can add cooked Italian sausage or diced cooked beef with the beans.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Calories: 350
Calories from Fat: 100

% Daily Value

Total Fat: 11g; 17%
Saturated Fat 5g 27% Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg; 7%
Sodium: 1100mg; 46%
Potassium: 660mg; 19%
Total Carbohydrate: 51g; 17%
Dietary Fiber 9g 36% Sugars 13g
Protein: 12g

% Daily Value*:

Vitamin A: 60%; 60%
Vitamin C: 20%; 20%
Calcium: 8%; 8%
Iron: 20%; 20%

Exchanges:

1 1/2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 2 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 2 Fat;