Minestrone - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 c. dried white pea beans
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 c. chicken broth
4 tsp. basil
2 (16 oz.) cans tomatoes
2 medium carrots, chopped
1/2 c. orzo pasta
2 medium zucchini, chopped
1/4 tsp. pepper
Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Cover beans with water and refrigerate overnight.
Drain. Heat oil, add onion and celery.
Saute 8 to 10 minutes.
Add garlic and saute 2 minutes.
Add chicken broth, beans and basil. Bring to boil, lower heat and simmer one hour.
Add tomatoes, carrots, orzo and zucchini.
Return to boiling.
Lower heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes.
Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.