Soup Night

Supposedly, this is a "stoup," meaning it's thicker than a soup. Maybe I did something wrong, but mine wasn't that thick. But it was yummy! I used broth because I didn't have any stock, and it worked just as well, albeit maybe a little less flavorful than stock. I also left out the celery, the green beans, and the red pepper flakes. You know, just throw in what you have.

Rachael Ray's Tomato Bean 15 Minute Stoup

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 small zucchini, sliced
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomato
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can small white beans or cannellini beans
1 (10 ounces) box, cut frozen green beans
Salt and pepper
1 cup fresh basil, torn or shredded
Grated Parmigiano or Romano, to pass at table
Crusty bread, to pass at the table

Add extra-virgin olive oil to the pot, 2 turns of the pan.
Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stir then stir in the onions, carrots, celery and zucchini.
Cook 10 minutes, then add in the stock, tomatoes and beans. Bring soup up to a bubble and season with salt and pepper, to your taste.
Simmer 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and wilt the basil into the soup. Ladle up the soup and serve with grated cheese and bread.

Something was missing taste-wise... and it was the cheese! Whoops! Those Italians know what they're talking about... grated cheese on soup is fantastic!