Green Garden Minestrone for Diabetes Meal Plans

This green garden minestrone is full of vegetables and very low calorie per serving. Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 cup sliced celery

2/3 cup finely chopped leek

6 green onions, sliced

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or stock

2 cups water

1 1/2 cups sliced fresh green beans and/or fresh or frozen green beans

1/2 cup dried tiny shell pasta

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed and thinly sliced, or 8 ounces baby zucchini, sliced

6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves coarsely chopped, or 1 1/2 cups finely shredded green cabbage

1/4 cup snipped fresh basil

2 ounces thinly shaved Parmesan cheese

In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add celery, leek, green onions, and garlic; cook until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

Add broth, the water, green beans, pasta, and pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Stir in the asparagus and spinach; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes more or until pasta and vegetables are tender. Stir in basil.

To serve, if desired, top individual servings with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition per serving 1 cup:

85 calories

2 grams fat

321 mg sodium

13 grams carbohydrate

3 grams fiber

5 grams protein

This Beef and Cabbage Soup is a good recipe. Try it here.