Hot soup on a cool day!

Mmmmm...home made minestrone soup! The weather here is 55 degrees and breezy so it is a perfect fall day for a big pot of soup. I got this recipe from a friend and it is one of my favorite comfort foods! It is fairly easy in spite of all the ingredients and you just can't beat the flavor. It tastes even better the second day and makes a big batch. Please know that this soup is just as good if you find you dont have one or two of the ingredients. For instance, I was out of potatoes and celery today but I dont even notice, I have made it with a veggie missing here or there, as long as you put a little extra of what you do have in it, it will be fine! Enjoy!

Minestrone Soup

1/4 cup olive oil

1 clove garlic minced

1 onion minced

1 Tbsp. chopped parsley

1 tsp. thyme

1/4 cup water

1/8 cup tomato paste

2 zuchini diced

6 beef boullion cubes

6 cups water

1 16 oz. can diced tomatoes

3 celery stalks chopped

2 carrots (large) sliced

3 potatoes diced

1/4 of a small cabbage, shredded

1/3 cup uncooked rice

1 can (14-15 oz.) white beans, drained & rinsed

1/2 tsp. pepper

Cook garlic , parsley, onion and thyme in oil until tender. Add tomato paste and 1/4 c. water, cook 3-4 minutes. Add all ingredients except rice and beans and cheese. Simmer about an hour. Bring to full boil, add rice and cook til soft - add beans and heat. Top with fresh parmesan or cheddar cheese at serving time.