Hearty Minestrone Soup In Minutes

2 tsp olive oil
1 large red bell pepper, cleaned and cut bite size
8 ounces fresh green beans, cleaned and cut bite size
2 carrots, cleaned and cut bite size
3 garlic cloves, grated
15.5 oz can Navy beans, drained, rinsed
1 cup water
14.5 oz can chicken broth
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1/3 cup couscous
salt to taste
fresh chopped flat leaf parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for ganish

In a large (3 quart) microwave-safe bowl, put the olive oil, red bell pepper, green beans, and carrots, stir well, cover the bowl with a plate and microwave for 5 minutes on high, stirring once during this time.

Now add the garlic, Navy beans, water, broth, tomato paste, couscous, and salt. Cover the dish again and cook on high until the vegetables and couscous are tender (about 5 minutes), stirring at least once during this time.

Remove and ladle into bowls, then top with fresh chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese to serve.