Nana’s Minestrone with Gnocchi
Ingredients
  • 2Tablespoons Felippo Berio Olive OilOlive oil helps decrease the total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels
  • 4Cloves chopped GarlicGarlic offers a variety of benefits, from cardiovascular protection, and lowering LDL levels along with triglycerides and lowering blood pressure.
  • 1 Red Onion, dicedOnion is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some benefits may include reducing the risk of heart disease.
  • 3 Tri Colored Carrots, slicedCarrots’ orange hue comes from beta-carotene, a compound that serves as a source of heart-healthy vitamin A. Getting enough vitamin A helps fight heart disease, according to a review published in “Heart and Circulatory Physiology” in 2008.
  • 2Stalks Celery, sliced thin Celery is mainly water, but it is also a good source of dietary fiber.
  • 1Can Cannellini BeansBeans are high in fiber and may lower your LDL’s, bad cholesterol.
  • 1Can No Salt Kidney Beans
  • 2Cups Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
  • 2Boxes or Cans Crushed TomatoesTomatoes have two key nutrients that have a big impact on heart health: lycopene and potassium. Some research shows that lycopene may lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.
  • 1 ZucchiniZucchini is packed with beneficial nutrients including Vitamins C and A, potassium, folate, and fiber. All contribute to a healthy heart by decreasing the risk of stroke, reducing high blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol.
  • 1Cup Green Beans, chopped in halfGreen beans contain an anti-oxidants similar to those found in green tea, also known as catechins, which can improve heart health.
  • 4Pieces Tri colored Swisschard, chopped in 1 inch piecesSwiss chard is a nutritional powerhouse — an excellent source of vitamins K, A, and C, as well as a good source of magnesium, potassium, iron, and dietary fiber.
  • 1Package Potato Gnocchi
  • 2-4Pieces Turkey Bacon, crumbled
  • Shaved Parmesan
  • 1Tablespoon Dried Basil
  • 1Teaspoon Rosemary
  • 1Teaspoon Dried or Fresh OreganoOregano is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help fight damage from harmful free radicals in the body. The buildup of free radicals has been linked to heart disease.
  • 1Teaspoon ThymeA study found that an extract was able to significantly reduce heart rate in rats with high blood pressure, and it was also able to lower their cholesterol.
  • 15Grinds Fresh Pepper
Instructions
  1. First, add olive oil, onion, garlic, celery, and carrots to a pot and sauté for a few minutes until onions and garlic are transparent.
  2. Then, microwave 4-5 pieces of turkey bacon, set aside.
  3. Next, add tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, and pepper, and veggie broth. Then bring to a slight boil and simmer for 25 minutes.
  4. Next, add canned beans and swisschard, green beans, and zucchini and cook an additional 10 minutes.
  5. Then, add potato gnocchi to the pot of soup and cook for 10-15 minute. Ladle soup into a bowl and add crumbled bacon and shaved paremesan with some delicious breadsticks AND you have a wonderfully quick and heart healthy meal….Enjoy!!!

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