Minestrone

Makes about 2 1/2 quarts (10 1-cup servings)

This is a good basic vegetable soup. You can enhance it with additional vegetables of your choosing

1 small onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 carrot, cut into chunks
1 celery stalk, sliced, including top
1 potato, scrubbed and cut into chunks
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 cups tomato juice
2 cups water or Vegetable Broth (see recipe)
1 teaspoon mixed Italian herbs
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 small zucchini, diced
1/4 cup dry pasta shells
1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained
1 cup finely chopped fresh kale, collard greens, or spinach
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil,
or 1 teaspoon dried basil.