Daily Challenge #7--Eat like a Vegetarian

My challenge to you today is to plan 2 vegetarian meals for the week. I am not against meat, but I do think most of us consume way too much. Cutting out meat every now and then is a great way to cut some calories and fat. But be sure that you don't just substitute with extra carbs. Instead look for recipes full of veggies. Here is a great minestrone soup to get you started. I will post more vegetarian tips and meals throughout the week.

Minestrone Soup
6 servings
275 calories per serving

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1 can green beans (drained)
1 (19 ounce) can cannellini beans
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1 (14.5 ounce) can no salt added stewed or diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 1/2 cups cubed potatoes
32 oz. (1 quart) chicken broth (get the less sodium kind)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup elbow macaroni
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. Saute onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil for a few minutes.

2. Add beans, cabbage, tomatoes, tomato paste, potato, stock, garlic, parsley, and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer for approximately 1 hour until vegetables are barely tender.

3. Add pasta, and simmer for 30 minutes more. Correct seasoning, and serve hot with grated cheese.