Minestrone Soup

1 can beans, rinsed & drained (or 2 c. home-cooked)
2 qt. chicken
2 or 3 stalks celery
2 or 3 slices onions
1/4 head cabbage, shredded
3 or 4 carrots, sliced
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. oregano
1 tbsp. parsley
2 bay leaves
1 c. cooked pasta
Grated Italian cheese

In a large soup pot, put stock, celery, onions, cabbage, carrots, oregano, parsley and bay leaves. Simmer 1/2 hour then add pasta. Cook slowly until pasta is tender, adding more liquid if needed. Lastly, add beans, salt and pepper and top with cheese just before serving.

This soup, like any other, is a matter of taste. You may substitute any green leafy vegetable for the cabbage. Use whatever beans and pasta you like. Minestrone just means Italian vegetable soup with beans and pasta as part of the ingredients.