by THEYUMMYBOWL
This Vegetarian Minestrone Soup is an incredibly hearty soup, loaded with a variety of fresh veggies, protein-rich beans, and red lentil pasta.
To get started, heat a medium Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add a drizzle of oil and sauté the celery, carrots, and onion, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the garlic and sauté for another 3 minutes until fragrant.
Next, add the zucchini, Italian seasonings, and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 2 minutes to let the flavors meld. Stir in the red and white beans, crushed tomatoes, pasta, bay leaves, vegetable juice, broth, sugar and water.