Minestrone is one of those amazing comfort foods that is nourishing to the soul as well as to the body. For me, coming home to a big pot of minestrone bubbling away on the stove, filling the house with home-cooked aroma, is like walking into an embrace.
Soups are such an effective tool in eating for Type 2 Diabetes. They are full of nutrition, filling, satisfying, and are well worth the time invested in chopping and prep because the large volume means leftovers to cover several meals. Many soups can be frozen in individual portions without harming the texture, to make a good workday lunch.
In a 5-qt saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and saute for 3-4 minutes.
Add the garlic powder, salt/pepper, and herbs; cook for 1 minute. Add the zucchini and tomatoes, cook for 1 minute, then add the stock, water, and kidney beans.
Bring to a simmer for 30 minutes; add macaroni and simmer 15 more minutes. Check salt and pepper seasoning.