Magic Minestrone - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon olive oil
30 ounces broth
3 carrots, diced
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 lb zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/4 lb green beans, cut in 1 inch pieces
3 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking barley
1 (15 ounce) can white beans
8 cups spinach leaves

Preparation

In a large pot, over medium heat, cook the garlic, onion, celery and thyme in the olive oil, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until softened.
Add the broth, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, water and salt.
Bring to a boil.
Add barley.
Reduce heat, simmer 15 minutes.
Stir in white beans and spinach, cook 5 more minutes.