Microwave Minestrone

This is another Martha Stewart recipe that we tried tonight. I love that you can cook it in the microwave in 10 minutes, it's full of veggies and really yummy with some good French bread!




Serves 4 ( it was enough for our family of 5 because the kids had smaller servings)
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 carrots, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
1 red bell pepper (ribs and seeds removed), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
8 ounces green beans, stem ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch lengths
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/3 cup couscous
1 can (14.5 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (15.5 ounces) navy beans, drained and rinsed
coarse salt
flat-leaf parsley leaves(optional)
shaved Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional) *we shredded our cheese and we liked it with a good 2 tbs of it at least!*


Directions
In a 3-quart microwave-safe dish, place oil, carrots, bell pepper, green beans, and garlic; stir to coat. Cover and microwave on high for 5 minutes.


Add couscous, broth, tomato paste, navy beans, 1 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt. Cover; microwave on high until vegetables and couscous are tender, 5 minutes. If desired, stir in parsley, and garnish with cheese.