Vegan Minestrone Soup

  

I often find myself conversing with kids and also adults about ‘why we eat’. Ask yourself  why do I eat? The most common answer usually is, because I’m hungry, duh!  Hungry for….. comfort, distraction, happiness, habits, and always hungry for more.  That is okay, it is what it is, my friend. Let’s focus on the intention and use that as our magic wand.

What is guilt? What does feeling guilt do for you?
The use of guilt here is not referring solely to being guilty of something, but it refers to seeing or projecting one’s mistakes, while not knowing what to do about them or refusing to correct them.
In this definition, guilt is a negative, paralyzing emotion, based on non-acceptance of oneself or the situation, and it leads to depression and frustration rather than change or improvement.
Intention and Prayer with Eating
Eat to fuel your body. Ask, what is the best choice for my body and mind right now? How can I take a new perspective on eating that I can benefit from? Be aware of habits and allow space for variety.  Make up your own positive intention prayer for before you eat.  The awareness of guilt can propel a positive change for improvement.

Speaking of variety, I have a few favorite soups and tend to habitually buy ingredients for them. So, today I intended to make a soup I haven’t made in a long time.  Classics are always winners. Enjoy!

 Vegetarian Minestrone Soup

• 3-5 T Olive Oil
• 1/2 cup Onion/ 3 cloves garlic (diced)
• 3 Carrots (diced)
• 7-9 Shitake mushrooms(sliced)
• 4 cups Vegetable Stock or 3 T miso paste with 4 cups of clean water
• 1 – 28 oz can Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 cup of fresh Green Beans (cut into 1 inch pieces)
• 1 cup fresh greens ( kale, collard, spinach)
• 2 cans of White Beans
• 1 box of elbow rice/quiona pasta (dry)
• 3 T brown rice vinager
• Italian Spices: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil;  salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot add the olive oil and vegetables
2. Cook until the veggies have softened, about 5 minutes
3. Add all remaining ingredients except the pasta
4. Bring to a boil
5. Add the pasta and cook until the pasta is cooked

 What is your favorite soup?

Namaste!