Minestrone Soup Recipe with Vero Gusto® Sauce by Barilla®

Check out this delicious and healthy minestrone soup recipe made with Vero Gusto® Heritage Marinara sauce by Barilla®, fresh vegetables, beans and pasta.

This minestrone soup recipe is easy to make and enjoy anytime, but is especially appetizing on a cold fall or winter day. Minestrone is a hearty, healthy soup that will keep you full and nourished due to the abundance of fresh vegetables, beans, herbs, and pasta. The broth of this minestrone soup recipe is infused with the star of this dish - Vero Gusto® Heritage Marinara sauce by Barilla® which helps add flavor, richness, and maintains that homemade taste. Minestrone soup is a great option for an easy dinner that the whole family will love, and it will stretch throughout the week for tasty leftovers!

Using the Vero Gusto® Sauce by Barilla® in Minestrone Soup

The Vero Gusto® sauce by Barilla®, made in Parma, Italy, is a great addition to this healthy minestrone recipe because there is nothing artificial and no added sugar. The exceptional Barilla® pasta sauce is also non-GMO Project Verified. The Vero Gusto® is slowly sautéed with the finest regional ingredients including: caramelized onion, garlic, and carrot, an authentic Italian soffiritto, which gives it an aromatic, homemade taste.

The high-quality of the Vero Gusto® Heritage Marinara sauce is accomplished by using the traditional tomato passata technique, which originated in Italy. Tomato passata, is an uncooked tomato puree, and the process includes straining all the seeds and skins, so that only the most flavorful and rich parts of the tomato (the pulp) are utilized. This process helps to make the sauce perfectly rich and smooth. With the Vero Gusto® you can truly enjoy and appreciate the journey to this nourishing meal. The Vero Gusto® Heritage Marinara sauce can be purchased at your local Kroger store. There are three different Vero Gusto® varieties available at Kroger including the Heritage Marinara, Tomato and Basil, and Sicilian Herb sauces, click here for more details!

What is Minestrone Soup?

Did you know that minestrone soup has a long history dating back hundreds of years, and it was traditionally made to use up leftover vegetables? That is why, to this day, there is no one exact recipe for minestrone due to the varying mixture of vegetables and fresh ingredients used.

This healthy minestrone soup recipe includes the Vero Gusto® Heritage Marinara-infused broth with fresh, organic vegetables, beans, and pasta. The wholesome pasta-based soup can be made utilizing a wide range of vegetables, but traditionally the core-ingredients of minestrone include tomato, onion, celery, garlic and carrots. This minestrone recipe is a complete meal packed with nutrients, and is considered vegetarian.

How to Make Minestrone Soup Using Vero Gusto® sauce by Barilla®

What You Need to Make Minestrone Soup:

-½ jar of Vero Gusto® Heritage Marinara sauce by Barilla®

-½ cup of shredded carrots

-3 celery stalks, diced

-1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed

-1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

-½ cup of cut green beans (fresh or frozen)

-½ cup of red onion, diced

-1 zucchini, diced

-4 cups of vegetable broth

-4 ounces of Barilla® medium shell pasta

-Handful of fresh parsley, chopped

-2 garlic cloves, minced

-1 tsp dried basil

-1 tsp dried oregano

-Salt and pepper to taste

-Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation and Directions for Minestrone Soup:

1. Wash, prepare, and cut the vegetables and herbs. Then, add olive oil to a large soup pot on the stovetop over medium heat (you can also use a separate pan). Sauté the diced onion, celery, shredded carrots, and zucchini for 4-5 minutes. Simultaneously, bring a small pot of salted water to boil and add 4 ounces of Barilla® medium shell pasta to the pot, and cook al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse with cool water, set aside.

2. Add the vegetable broth, drained and rinsed beans, and sautéed veggies to the soup pot. Slowly stir in ½ the jar of the Vero Gusto® sauce. Add the dried oregano and basil, garlic, and chopped parsley. Simmer on low to medium heat for 15-20 minutes covered, until vegetables are tender and ingredients are well-combined. Add pasta, let cook for another 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

How to Make the Perfect Bowl of Minestrone Soup

If you are looking for a quick, healthy and delicious recipe, try making this minestrone soup using the Vero Gusto® sauce, you won’t be disappointed! The soup also makes for great leftovers for lunch or dinner, so be sure to store extra servings in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. All the ingredients can easily be found at the grocery store, and/or your pantry.

Head to your local Kroger to pick-up a container of Vero Gusto® Sauce by Barilla® and give this amazing soup a try today with your family or friends!

3-Steps to Healthy Meals at Home with Green Chef

Green Chef Healthy and Eco-Friendly Meal Kit Delivery

Green Chef is a leader in home meal kit delivery, and is designated by the USDA as the first certified organic meal kit company. If you’re not familiar, Green Chef caters to different dietary needs, and allows you to more easily cook fresh, healthy meals at home without the inconvenience of going to the grocery store. All the ingredients and recipes are sent straight to your door and there is no obligation, as you can cancel at any time! 

Green Chef lives up to its name as they are one of the most “green” or sustainable meal kit companies around. All of the Green Chef packaging is made from recycled, reusable and/or compostable materials, and they offset 100% of their direct carbon emissions and plastic packaging. This is not an easy feat, I applaud them for taking these important actions towards helping save our environment. Green Chef also understands and believes that organic food is better for our health and ecosystem. They are proponents of rebuilding soil, avoiding synthetic chemicals and protecting animal welfare. 

As a certified integrative nutrition coach, I am interested about where my food comes from, so I appreciate the transparency and advocacy that Green Chef offers in that area. It’s also good knowing that purchasing a Green Chef box can indirectly help to support dozens of small artisanal suppliers and family farmers that they work with locally. 

Step One: Choose Your Healthy Meal Plan with Green Chef

When you set-up your account you get to choose your dietary and delivery preferences. Green Chef’s plans can accommodate both individuals and families as you can choose the number of portions you want to come in your box. The price varies based on the meal plan, and is broken down per serving. More details on pricing can be found on their website. 

Green Chef’s meal plans accommodate people with varying nutritional requirements including keto and paleo, balanced living and plant-powered. They also have designated gluten-free recipes available. Each plan offers over seven recipes a week to choose from. I love this business model because due to bio-individuality and personal health histories, we all thrive on different lifestyles and dietary regimens! 

Additionally, you can even customize your protein selections. For the Balanced Living and Keto + Paleo plans, you can opt-out of receiving specific proteins (ie: beef, poultry, lamb, shellfish, fish etc.). 

If you are on the fence about meal kits, one of the best parts is that Green Chef offers flexible memberships! You are free to change your preferences, skip weeks, or cancel at any time (up to seven days before your next scheduled delivery). This allows you to make the healthy meal plans work for you and your family! This also allows you to try-out Green Chef with no long-term obligation! 

Green Chef Meal Plan Choices

As mentioned above, Green Chef offers three meal plan options:

Keto + Paleo: The Green Chef Keto recipes contain no grains, excess sugar, fruit, gluten, peanuts or soy. The Keto plan is great for those who want to watch their carbs without sacrificing flavor in meals. The recipes range from 600-800 calories and contain less than 20 net carbohydrates. A favorite in my house is the bacon-roasted green beans! 

Balanced Living: The Balanced Living plan is considered omnivore and contains a diverse menu of meat, seafood and vegetarian dinners. This includes options such as pastas and shrimp! The meals come with fresh, organic produce and high-quality protein. 

Plant-Powered: The Plant-Powered meal plan offers vibrant plant-based meals that are perfect for those who eat vegetarian or vegan. Even though they are plant-based, the meals are filling and nourishing. 

Step Two: Cook Your Green Chef Meal in 30 Minutes

Green Chef meals are ready in around just 30 minutes. Yes, there is some light prep work involved with Green Chef recipes, but that is the best part, in my opinion! I love to cook, so I personally take delight in any chopping, peeling, and sautéing. But, if you’re new to cooking, that’s okay too, because the Green Chef recipes have been tested by a wide-range of cooks from new to seasoned chefs, and they cater to all levels of cooking from newbies to foodies.

The recipe cards are well-designed visually with easy-to-follow tips and instructions. Many of the ingredients come pre-measured and prepared to make cooking simpler and more efficient. This includes pre-made chef-crafted marinades, sauces, and dressings. The recipe cards list the kitchen tools you need for each recipe such as pans, baking foil, or utensils. 

I have picked-up some great cooking techniques from Green Chef, that I have since been able to apply to my own cooking and recipes. I have learned how to better utilize the oven to cook various proteins, which saves me time and effort, and allows me to multitask while making dinner on busy days. 

Step Three: Enjoy the Green Chef Recipes

With Green Chef, you get to eat restaurant-quality meals at home! I can honestly attest that the food is delicious, fragrant and satisfying! My husband could smell our Green Chef meal cooking all the way from the garage when he got home from work the other day, and said it smelled amazing (it was the Southwest Chicken Pasta). 

We are able to enjoy and savor the Green Chef meals knowing that we are eating cleaner, healthier ingredients as well! The recipes all include premium ingredients. As previously mentioned, Green Chef often works with local family farms to source the freshest and most flavorful ingredients, while also practicing sustainability. All of the Green Chef produce and eggs are certified organic, and when that certification is not possible they source the highest-quality options available, such as wild salmon. 

Green Chef offers new recipes weekly, so you won’t get bored of eating the same meals over and over again, if you are a repeat customer. Additionally, the portion sizes are generous in my opinion, and we sometimes have leftovers that we can re-heat and enjoy the next day for a quick lunch or dinner. Most of the meals taste just as good the next day! 

Order Healthy Meal Kit Delivery with Green Chef

If you are considering trying a meal kit, be sure to take advantage of the current discount! Click here to learn more about Green Chef or place your meal kit order today!

Green Chef is a Sustainable (Eco-friendly) Meal Kit Company

Green Chef is committed to sustainability and paves the way for meal kit companies with their innovative recyclable packaging and eco-friendly practices.

What is Sustainability and Why Does it Matter?

Broadly defined, sustainability means, the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance. With regards to the food industry, sustainability means that food production, distribution and consumption play a critical role in the health of our environment, society and economy.

Did you know that an estimated 40% of food is wasted in the U.S. annually, amounting to $162 billion in food waste? If not wasted, this food could have served over 58 million meals in the U.S. annually, according to CORR Concepts for Sustainable Living. Lessening or eliminating food waste has environmental, social and economic benefits for U.S. families.

Meal Kit Companies Have a Smaller Carbon Footprint

Food production has a huge carbon footprint, and according to CORR Concepts for Sustainable Living, one study estimated it is responsible for 19-29% of annual greenhouse gas emissions. 

But, according to a study conducted in April 2019 by the University of Michigan, it was determined that meal kit companies, such as Green Chef, have a carbon footprint that is 25% lower than meals made from store-bought groceries. This is attainable due to pre-portioned ingredients and a streamlined supply chain process. Typically the pre-portioned ingredients in meal kits lead to less food loss and waste. Green Chef offers consumers a significantly more sustainable approach to eating and meal planning. Throwing away less of what we eat is an impactful way to reduce carbon emissions. 

Shipping meal kits to thousands of homes can cause emissions, however meal kits are often delivered alongside other mail on normal routes and this last stage of distribution accounts for 11% of grocery store meal emissions, but only 4% for meal kits. The University of Michigan Study also says that by skipping brick-and-mortar retailing, the direct-to-consumer meal kit model avoids the food losses that commonly occur in grocery stores, resulting in large emission savings.

Green Chef Uses Recyclable Packaging

The plastic and packing materials required to keep food fresh to ship direct-to-consumers can play into carbon emissions. But, fortunately Green Chef has taken massive steps towards sustainability with all of their packaging, and have practices in place to help offset their direct carbon emissions and plastic packaging in every box. As a family that recycles and tries to do our part to help the environment, I found it very interesting to learn more about the packaging materials that Green Chef uses. 

Green Chef is committed to producing recyclable packaging when possible, the only exceptions come into play when there is a food quality or safety reason. With that said, Green Chef is the first meal kit company to utilize ClimaCell material. ClimaCell is a curbside recyclable insulation that serves a similar function to styrofoam. It is a patented material made from renewable plant-based components and paper. ClimaCell is a great insulator for perishable food products, and the company’s mission is to “protect products with packaging that protects the earth.”

What’s in Green Chef’s Packaging?

Green Chef Boxes

The Green Chef boxes are made of 40-60% recycled cardboard material. You can reuse the box for storage or break it down and recycle it with your curbside pick-up or local recycling facility. 

Plant-based Package Insulation

As mentioned above, Green Chef boxes come insulated with a material called ClimaCell. This is a proprietary plant-based insulator. It contains a thin layer of kraft paper on either side to hold it together. The material is also curbside recyclable.

Reusable Ice Packs

The Green Chef ice packs are filled with a soluble, non-toxic gel. The outer layer of the ice packs are made of #4 plastic film. You can easily reuse the ice packs by saving them in your freezer or store at room temperature for later use. The other option is you can cut a slit and drain the gel, rinse the plastic, and recycle wherever #4 plastic is accepted.

Compostable Meal Kit Bags

The Green Chef meal kit bags that contain all of the ingredients are made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper. You can reuse the bag if it is clean or recycle with your curbside pick-up. The other option is these meal kit bags can actually be composted at home or through your local composting facility. The plastic baggies used for individual ingredients have a number on them that indicates the type of plastic and where it can be recycled, if recyclable. 

Green Chef’s Sustainability Partners

Green Chef has also strengthened its commitment to sustainability by partnering with numerous organizations that hold high standards when it comes to the environment. Some of these organizations include: The Sustainable Packaging Coalition, Spoiler Alert, Plasticbank, Temperpack, and the US EPA Certified company SmartWay.

Additionally, Green Chef is USDA-certified organic company and utilizes organic produce and eggs in their meal kits, and works with local farmers on sourcing products. They keep animal welfare in mind and the proteins contained in the meal kits come from animals that have been raised with high welfare standards.

Healthy Meal Kit Delivery with Green Chef

If you would like to try-out an eco-friendly meal kit, Green Chef is a great option! Green Chef meals are easy, healthy and tasty! Choose the meal plan that best serves your individual or family’s nutritional needs including: Keto + Paleo, Plant-Powered or Balanced Living. Click here to learn more about Green Chef and get a special discount on your first order!

Sources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921344919301703?via%3Dihub

https://www.corrconcepts.com/sustainability-101/why-sustainability/

What is the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?

What is the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?

Let's face it: When your stomach is bloated, and you're battling gas, constipation or other abdominal discomfort, you probably have little to no desire to do anything. All you want is relief. And while there are several over-the-counter medications that TV commercials advertise to calm these symptoms, the result is never permanent. It's merely a band-aid fix covering a bigger problem. Your digestive system and gut health is directly linked to your immune system.  It can be beneficial for some people to make changes to their diet to give the body precisely what it needs to support gut health improvement. As the saying goes; heal your gut, heal your life. 

Gut Health and Supporting Proper Digestion 

How are bacteria related to your intestines?

Understanding the connection between your digestive system and the bacteria that live in your body—your microbiome—is essential to healing your gut, calming your symptoms, and boosting your immune health.1 Not only can poor gut health lead to inflammation, but it can also cause immune issues or leaky gut syndrome—the permeability of your intestinal walls that causes tiny particles to enter your bloodstream. (2, 3) 

When your gut properly digests food, the nutrients pass through your intestinal walls into your bloodstream. But when your gut lining becomes more permeable, toxins and bacteria enter your bloodstream and cause additional issues like food sensitivities, irritable bowel disease, thyroid issues and more. (3)

The good news is that improving your gastrointestinal system and sustaining a healthy gut is possible! One way is by adding pre-and probiotics to your diet. Both assist the bacteria in your body in different ways. (2)

What are probiotics?

If you've researched gut health before, you've likely encountered the word probiotics. So, what are they? Simply put, probiotics (or microbes) are the good bacteria (live microorganisms) and/or yeasts that live in your body naturally. Their job is to fight off harmful bacteria. If your body lacks good bacteria and has too much of the bad, then your body will struggle to digest food properly, create vitamins, or breakdown or absorb the medications you take. (1) 

Two of the most common types of probiotic bacteria are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Our digestive, urinary, and genital systems typically contain Lactobacillus bacteria, but you can also find it in the following probiotic-rich fermented foods:(1, 2, 4)

•  Yogurt 

• Cottage cheese

• Kombucha

• Sauerkraut

• Kimchi

• Pickles

• Sourdough bread

Bifidobacterium, however, lives in our intestines and fights organisms that can cause issues like diarrhea. Probiotics also contain good yeast, and the most common type is Saccharomyces boulardii. (1, 2, 5)

If you aren't sure if a particular food contains probiotics or not, check the label for the words "live and active cultures."1 There are also several supplemental probiotics you can purchase and take as a capsule, pill or powder. However, not every probiotic is a one-size-fits-all solution to your digestive health. 

Taking a probiotic or adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet can improve your digestion and rebuild your intestinal walls. But some probiotics work differently than others. So you should always consult with your doctor and health coach before altering your diet to ensure your body gets just what it needs.

What are prebiotics?

Fibers that help create a supportive environment for your microbes (your good gut bacteria) are called prebiotics. They stimulate the growth of good gut bacteria. Still, your body cannot digest prebiotics without the help of good bacteria, which is why your body needs both pre-and probiotics. (6)

Examples of prebiotic foods include: (2, 7)

• Jerusalem Artichoke

• Garlic  

• Asparagus 

• Cabbage

• Onions

• Potatoes (boiled)

• Bananas 

• Apples 

• Grapefruit

• Walnut

• Oats

• Chia Seeds

While adding pre-and probiotic foods to your diet can improve your overall gut health, it's essential to understand that continuing to consume inflammatory and harmful chemicals will defeat the purpose. Avoiding things like processed foods, sugars, and soy is just as critical. 

Before you make any changes within your gut health routine, it is important to be sure no major underlying health problems exist that could be causing your symptoms. With that said, speak to your doctor or healthcare professional to make sure you're not missing something more serious.

Work with a Nutrition Coach to Support Gut Health

Navigating a healthier lifestyle routine may intimidate you, but connecting with a certified integrative nutrition coach can guide you through your journey with ease and confidence! Learn more about the Wheatgrass Warrior Approach today. 

Resources

1. “Probiotics.” Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics (Accessed 03/13/2021).

2. “Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: What’s the Difference?.” Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/prebiotics-vs-probiotics-whats-the-difference/ (Accessed 03/13/2021).

3. “Leaky gut: What is it, and what does it mean for you?” Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/leaky-gut-what-is-it-and-what-does-it-mean-for-you-2017092212451 (Accessed 03/13/2021).

4. “Lactobacillus.” WebMD. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-790/lactobacillus (Accessed 03/13/2021).

5. “Bifidobacteria.” WebMD. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-891/bifidobacteria (Accessed 03/13/2021).

6. “Prebiotics, probiotics and your health.” Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/prebiotics-probiotics-and-your-health/art-20390058 (Accessed 03/13/2021).

“How to Pick the Best Probiotic for You.” Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-pick-the-best-probiotic-for-you/ (Accessed 03/13/2021).