Roasted Vegetable Minestrone

www.thepioneerwoman.com

2 whole zucchini, halved, cut into strips, then cubed
2 whole summer squash, halved, cut into strips, then cubed
8 ounces, white mushrooms, stems removed and quartered
2 T olive oil
Kosher salt to taste
2 T (additional) olive oil
2 whole carrots, washed and sliced (not peeled)
1 whole medium onion, diced
3 stalks celery, sliced (leaves included)
8 C chicken broth
2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed
1 C (heaping) cut green beans, fresh or frozen
1-½ C medium or small pasta shells, uncooked
1 can (14.5) diced tomatoes with juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ t turmeric (optional)
Parmesan cheese, shaved

Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Toss cubed zucchini, squash, and mushrooms in a bowl with olive oil and a sprinkling of kosher salt. Arrange onto two sheet pans (to avoid crowding) and roast in the hot oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until brown and black parts begin to show. Remove from oven and set aside. In a heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add carrots, onions, and celery and stir to cook for 3 minutes. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for ten minutes. Add cannelini beans and green beans. Cook on low for five minutes. Add pasta and cook for an additional five minutes. Add canned tomatoes, stir, and cook for an additional five minutes on low heat. Check for seasonings, adding salt, pepper, and turmeric. Add roasted vegetables at the very end. Stir and allow to simmer and heat for a few minutes before serving. Be sure to check seasoning! Add more broth if necessary to increase liquid amount. Serve with Parmesan shavings and crusty Italian bread. Makes 8 servings.