Dashi-Infused Minestrone

Ingredients

• 3 cups dashi broth (or water + dashi powder)
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup small pasta shells or ditalini
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan(optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped(optional)
• to taste salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep all vegetables: dice the onion, carrot, and zucchini, mince the garlic, and drain and rinse the beans. (About 20 minutes total prep.)

2. 2

   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and carrot for 5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

3. 3

   Add the diced tomatoes and dashi broth, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

4. 4

   Stir in the zucchini, beans, and pasta. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.

5. 5

   Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve hot.