Minestrone

prep time:: 30 min
total time:: 4 hr

Makes 6-8 servings

Especially delicious on a cold winter night.

ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, minced
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 cup water
1 14.5 oz. can stewed tomatoes
3 celery stocks, chopped
3 carrots, diced
1 potato, diced
2 zucchinis, diced
4 cups beef broth
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup pearl barley
1/2 package egg noodles, cooked
Grated Parmesan cheese

directions

Put olive oil in a large kettle. Add garlic, onion,parsley, thyme and cook until soft. Add tomato paste thinned with 1/4 cup water and cook for 5 minutes. Add all the remaining ingredients except the noodles and cheese. Simmer for at least 2 hours (I let it simmer at least half a day). Cook noodles according to package directions and add to the soup right before serving. Dish up soup and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Serve.