HOT SOUP: This soup must be one of the easiest things to make at home, yet it is satisfying and nutritious.

MINESTRONE—ITALIAN VEGETABLE SOUP:

6 cups beef stock                                            

½ lb. bacon, dice

1 cup frozen peas

½ lb. kidney or Lima beans

veggie mix:

    1 small green cabbage, shredded                

    ½ lb. spinach, washed and shredded

    3 or 4 carrots, chopped                               

    2 stalks celery, chopped

    1 medium onion, chopped                          

    2 cloves garlic, finely minced

    2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped                 

¼ cup raw rice

1 tbsp. chopped parsley                                  

½ tsp. sage

salt and freshly ground black pepper              

½ to ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a large soup pot over high heat, bring soup stock, the veggie mix, bacon, rice, sage and beans to a boil. Reduce heat and cook soup, uncovered, for 30 minutes or so. Add peas and cook until all the vegetables are tender and a large portion of the liquid has evaporated. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in grated cheese. The soup should be very thick, like a stew. Serve with chopped parsley as garnish.