Ms. Foster'S Minestrone - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 c. dry white beans
4 Tbsp. butter
1 c. fresh green peas
1 c. diced unpeeled zucchini
1 c. diced carrots
1 c. diced potatoes
1/3 c. sliced celery
2 oz. diced salt pork
2 Tbsp. chopped onions
1/2 c. chopped leeks
2 c. drained canned tomatoes, chopped
2 qt. chicken stock
1 bay leaf and 2 sprigs parsley, tied together
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 c. white raw rice
1 Tbsp. parsley
1 Tbsp. basil
grated Parmesan cheese (garnish)

Preparation

Bring 1 quart water to boiling in 3-quart saucepan.
Add the white beans (marrow, Great Northern, white kidney or navy).
Boil for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and let beans soak for 1 hour. Then return to low heat and simmer beans, uncovered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Drain and set aside.