Homemade Minestrone Soup

• 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomato pesto
• 1 parmesan rind
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1¼ cup celery, diced
• 1½ cup white onion, diced
• 4 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 sprig rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 2 bay leaves
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1½ cups zucchini, diced
• 1½ cups tubular (ditalini) pasta
• 1 cup frozen green beans, thawed
• 2½ cups baby spinach, chopped
• Finely shredded Parmesan cheese, for serving (or Romano)

1. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato pesto, parmesan rind, vegetable stock, water, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, oregano, rosemary, and bay leaves to a slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook on low heat 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.
2. Add in red kidney beans, great northern beans, zucchini, and pasta and cook on high heat for an additional 20 - 25 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir in the spinach and green beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through. Serve warm topped with parmesan cheese and garlic toasts.

Recipe Credit: Little Spice Jar