Minestrone Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 lb. bacon, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 c. chopped celery and leaves
1 carrot, sliced
1/4 c. chopped parsley
1 c. chopped escarole
1 c. chopped cabbage
1 1/2 c. cooked, dried beans (kidney or small white)
1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes
1/2 c. canned chickpeas
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. dry macaroni
cayenne pepper
1 lb. Italian sausage, cooked and sliced into chunks
grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Brown bacon and onion.
Add remaining raw vegetables.
Saute 10 minutes.
Add 6 cups water, beans, tomatoes, chickpeas, herbs and salt.
Bring to boil, cover and simmer 30 minutes.
Add macaroni and cook 10 minutes or until tender.
Season with cayenne to taste.
Top with sausage and cheese.
Good on a cold, frosty day.