White Bean Minestrone - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 c. carrots, chopped
1/2 c. onion, finely chopped
1/2 c. celery, finely chopped
3/4 c. dry navy beans, soaked and drained or 1 1/2 c. cooked white beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
2 c. stewed tomatoes (14 1/2 oz. can; no salt added)
3 c. white cabbage, shredded
1 c. boiling potatoes, peeled and diced
2 c. zucchini, diced
pepper
1/4 c. fresh parsley, minced or basil (optional)
4 to 6 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese, grated

Preparation

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil.
When hot, saute the carrots, onion and celery for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add 6 cups water, soaked dry beans, tomatoes and oregano and simmer for 1 hour.
If using canned beans, add now with cabbage and potatoes and simmer 45 minutes.
Add zucchini and simmer for 5 minutes only.
Season to taste with pepper and add parsley or basil and Parmesan, if you wish.