The Melis Family's Minestrone Soup Recipe

Here is the recipe for the minestrone soup that the Melis family who credit their longevity to their diet, which incorporates a daily serving of minestrone soup containing beans.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried beans, such as garbanzo beans, lentils, or black beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Rinse the beans and drain.
2. In a large pot, combine the beans, onion, carrots, celery, tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
4. Stir in the parsley and serve.

Enjoy!