Minestrone Soup

A hearty, delicious meal - good any time.

1    Cup carrots, diced
1    Cup celery, diced
1    Cup cabbage, chopped
1    Cup potato, diced
1    Cup zucchini, diced
1    Onion, diced (or 2 leeks – white part only)
2    Cloves garlic, diced
2    Tbsp olive oil
5    Cups chicken broth (vegetable broth can be used as well)
4    Ontario greenhouse tomatoes, chopped
¼    Cup uncooked macaroni
1    Tbsp tomato paste
1    Can white beans
3    Slices bacon or pancetta, cut into pieces
1    Tsp dried basil
2    Tbsp parsley, chopped
    Salt and pepper to taste
   
In large pot, over medium high heat, sauté bacon, onion (or leeks), celery and garlic in oil. Stir in broth, cabbage, potato, zucchini, tomatoes, macaroni, tomato paste, basil and salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Add beans and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with parsley.