Pantry Soup

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 small zucchini, sliced
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomato
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can small white beans or cannellini beans
1 (10 ounces) box, cut frozen green beans
Salt and pepper
1 cup fresh basil, torn or shredded
Grated Parmigiano or Romano, to pass at table

Sautee garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, onions, carrots, celery and zucchini in oil. Cook 10 minutes, then add in the stock, tomatoes and beans. Bring soup up to a bubble and season with salt and pepper, to your taste. Simmer 15-30 minutes, until veggies are softened and the taste is where you want it. Turn off the heat and wilt the basil into the soup. Ladle up the soup and serve with grated cheese and bread.

**Note-Feel free to take away what you don't have on hand and add what you do. It's a great clean out your pantry soup!

Lemony Green and White Beans

1 can white beans
2 c fresh green beans, halved
1 scallion, chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
zest of half a lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Make dressing and toss with beans. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.

Orzo with Feta, Green Beans and Tomatoes

1 lb of green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups orzo
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 large tomatoes
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 1/2 cups crumbled Feta (about 10 oz)
salt and pepper to taste

Bring water to a boil for orzo and green beans. Cook onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon oil and saute until softened-about 5 minutes. Quarter and seed the tomatoes. Cut quarters into lengthwise slices, about 1/4 inch thick. When onion is cooked, add tomatoes and cook, stirring, until softened about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Cook orzo according to packaged directions, adding green beans last 1-2 minutes. When cooked, drain and add to tomato and onion mixture. Add in vinegar, parsley, feta and salt and pepper. Toss to combine.

**Note-This dish is more like a warm and/or hearty pasta salad than it is a traditional pasta dish.