Minestrone (V)

Ingredients

• 3 zucchini, peeled diced
• 8 oz cannellini beans, soaked
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 clove garlic, chopped
• 4 sticks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 small head cabbage
• 4 oz green beans, cut into 1" pieces
• 8 oz tomatoes
• 4 tbs olive oil
• 1 dried red chili
• 6 C water
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 12 oz pasta
• 1 pound fresh basil
• 1 pound fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In large pot add oil, onion and garlic and sauté until onions are soft.
2. Add celery, carrots, cabbage and green beans. Drain beans and add to pot along with tomatoes and chili.
3. Add water and bring to a boil, then add rosemary and bay leaf and simmer uncovered about 1½ hrs.
4. Add pasta and cook for 10 min, then add zucchini and cook another 20 minutes.
5. Remove rosemary and bay leaf, and add herbs, salt and pepper. Enjoy with a friend with crusty French bread and a nice chianti.