Cute Little Pasta Shell Soup

When's the last time you ate a turnip? Okay, but how about a rutabaga? Exactly the point of this soup - it gives you a chance to add some variety to your diet - and it's yummy - and ya gotta love those cute little pasta shells.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 TBS cooking oil


• 1 chopped onion


• 1 chopped turnip


• 1 chopped rutabega


• 3 chopped carrots
  
• 14 oz can chopped tomatoes

• 1 TBS tomato paste


• 1/4 cup chopped roasted red pepper slices (from jar)


• 6 cups vegetable broth


• 2-4 cloves chopped raw garlic (or to taste)
  
• 1 14 oz can kidney beans (or any beans you like)


• 1/2 cup dried brown rice (or, okay REAL if you want) pasta shells
  

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:

• Heat oil in stock pot and add chopped onion.


• Cook 5 mins, until softened.


• Add chopped carrot, turnip, rutabaga.


• Add canned tomatoes, puree, and chopped red peppers.


• Pour in vegetable stock and bring to boil.


• Stir, then cover and simmer 30-45 mins.


• Add pasta to pot, and bring to boil. Add water if needed.


• Lower heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until pasta is tender.


• Stir in kidney beans and garlic, remove from heat.
  Season w/salt and pepper and desired spices to taste (marjarom, oregano, basil, etc.)

• Serve with parmesan cheese (or the soy version, if vegan.)