2-16 oz cans kidney beans
1/2 - 10 oz package frozen spinach, thawed
1 - 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 zucchini, cut length-wise in half, then sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon basil
1 tablespoon oregano
4 boullion cubes - faux beef flavor (any other flavor would work fine)
6 cups water
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
tomato paste, optional
In large non-stick pot, heat olive oil over high heat. When oil begins to smoke, add onion and reduce to medium heat, stirring constantly for a couple of minutes. When onions begin to turn translucent, add garlic and cook for about a minute longer. Add all of the remaining ingredients, return flame to high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Wants soup comes to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer until vegetables are to the consistency you like. If you would like to thicken the soup, you may return soup to boiling and then mix in enough tomato paste, stirring constantly until desired thickness.