Minestrone Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tablespoons margarine or butter                            
• 3/4 cup chopped onion                                              
• 1/4 cup chopped celery                                             
• ½ cup chopped carrots                                              
• 1 (19 ounce) can cannellini beans                             
• ½ cup shredded cabbage                                           
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes                         
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups cubed potatoes
• 1 quart chicken broth
• 1 quart chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup elbow macaroni
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Melt butter or margarine in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots, sauté for a few minutes.
2. Add beans, cabbage, tomatoes, tomato paste, potatoes, stock, garlic, parsley, and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat.  Simmer for approximately 1 hour until vegetables are barely tender.
3. Add pasta and simmer 30 minutes more. Correct seasoning and serve hot with grated cheese.