Soup: Minestrone Soup

ingredients

1/4 c. olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 onion, minced
1 leek, diced (optional)
1 T. chopped parsley
1 t. dried thyme
1 T. tomato paste
1/4 c. water
3 cans tomatoes
3 celery, chopped
1/4 small cabbage, shredded
2 carrots, diced
2 potatoes, diced
2 zucchini, diced
6 c. hot water or chicken stock
1/2 t. pepper, salt to taste
1/3 c. uncooked rice
1 1/2 c. cooked and drained beans
Grated Parmesan cheese

directions

Put olive oil in large kettle. Add garlic, onion, leek, parsley and thyme and cook until tender. Add tomato paste thinned with 1/4 cup water and cook for 5 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients except rice, beans and cheese. Simmer, covered for 1 hour or longer. Add rice and cook until soft. Add beans, heat. Serve topped with parmesan.

Source: Melissa