Easy Minestrone Soup

There is nothing better than coming from outside on a cold winter day, and being able to melt into the couch, with a warm bowl of soup. This is a very comforting, filling soup, that is made with common ingredients. You can use any vegetables that you may have on hand, these are just my go-to. 

Ingredients:
1 tablespoons margarine
1 tsp oil
1 small sweet onion, chopped
1/2 chopped celery
1 large carrot, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 tsp Italian dried herbs
1 tsp dried basil
6 cups vegetable stock
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
1 cup spinach, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (you can use your favorite bean, mine is black bean)
1/2 tsp sea salt
lots of pepper
1/2 cup pasta (I like spiral, but you can use any type)
1 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes (optional: just adds a cheesy depth)

1) Saute the onion in oil and margarine until translucent. Add celery, carrot and zucchini, and herbs, sauteing for about 1 minute. Add all other ingredients, except for the pasta and nutritional yeast flakes (if using). Simmer for 20 minutes. Add pasta, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Stir in the nutritional yeast flakes (if using), and enjoy!