Classic Minestrone Soup by Zarnak Sidhwa

Ingredients:

• Olive oil 2 tbsp
• Onion (chopped) 1
• Carrots (peeled and diced) 2
• Celery (diced) 1 stalk
• Red chilli (crushed) 1/4 tsp
• Dried rosemary 1/4 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste
• Tomatoes (peeled and chopped) 1 cup
• Potato (peeled and diced) 1 (large)
• Cabbage (thinly sliced) 1/4
• Cannellini beans (rinsed and drained) 1 cup
• Green beans (trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths) 1/2 pound
• Garlic (minced) 1 clove
• Thinly sliced fresh basil 1/4 cup
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) 3/4 cup

Method:

1. Add  first 8 ingredients to large pot over medium heat and saute until onion begins to brown which takes about 6 to 8 minutes stirring constantly.
2. Add tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add water, potato, cabbage and bean and bring to a boil.
4. Stir well and reduce the heat to low.
5. Cook for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Season, to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Stir in the garlic and basil.
8. When ready, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.