Pesto Minestrone

Remember all that pesto left in the freezer? Come January, Khavanu is soon heading away to be Belgish - so she has many pesto cubes to go through. Nick - this one is for you - and for the fact that we cannot eat your AMAZING pizzas. buh.

(obviously I know it is not really Belgish)

Pesto Minestrone

Cooking spray
1 cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
4 medium carrots, chopped
2 cups cooked kidney beans OR 1 can kidney beans rinsed and drained
4 qt water or broth (I used the broth from the beans + extra salt)
1/2 cup pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved OR a 22 oz can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup dried macaroni
2 cups swiss chard, chopped OR spinach
1/2 cup pesto
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot big enough to hold soup, spray bottom of pot with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
2. Add in onions, garlic and carrots. Cook 5 minutes.
3. Add in beans and water.
4. Stir in pesto.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
6. Add in tomatoes, macaroni, and chard.
7. Cook until macaroni is al dente.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.