Minestrone Milanese - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 c. olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 onion, minced
1 leek, diced (in season)
1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1/4 c. water
16 oz. can tomatoes, chopped (plus liquid)
3 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 potatoes, diced
1/4 small cabbage, shredded
2 zucchini, diced
6 c. hot water or 3 cans bouillon
salt to taste
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/3 c. raw rice
1 to 1 1/2 c. kidney beans (do not drain)
grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Put olive oil in large kettle.
Add garlic, onion, leek, parsley and thyme and cook until soft.
Add tomato paste, thinned with water and cook for 5 minutes.
Add all remaining ingredients except rice, beans and cheese.
Simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Bring to boil.
Add rice and cook until soft.
Add beans; heat. Serve with cheese.
Makes 3 quarts or 6 servings.