Minestrone Alla Genovese (With Pesto) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 -3 cups savoy cabbage, shredded
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 quart beef broth (preferably rich)
1 quart water
4 ounces tomato paste
1/4 cup fresh herb, minced (parsley, basil, or marjoram)
3 small zucchini, cut into half-moon slices
1 cup Italian cut green beans, sliced (fresh or frozen, regular green beans are fine, too)
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans or (15 ounce) can great northern beans
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans or (15 ounce) can pinto beans
6 ounces genoa salami, diced in small cubes
1/2 cup pasta, small (like small shells)
salt and black pepper, freshly ground (to taste)
2 tablespoons pesto sauce (see our Poppy Seed Pie)
parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Preparation

In a large saucepan, heat oil.
Saute onion and garlic 2-3 minutes.
Add cabbage, celery, and carrots. Saute 5 minutes.
Add broth, water, tomato paste, and herbs. Partially cover pan and simmer 30 minutes.
Add zucchini, beans, and salami; cook 15 minutes.
Add pasta; cook until al dente.
Add salt and pepper.
Stir in pesto sauce just before serving.
Serve in large bowls with grated cheese.