Fresh Hearty Minestrone Soup

• Ready In: 2 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup dried navy beans
• 7  cups beef broth
• 1 (16 ounce) can tomatoes
• 1  lb  stew meat
• 1  small onion, chopped
• 2  carrots, sliced
• 1  cup  shredded cabbage
• 1  bunch spinach, sliced
• 1  tablespoon fresh basil or 3⁄4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1  tablespoon fresh thyme or 3⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1  bay leaf
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1⁄2 cups green beans, cut in inch pieces
• 1  small zucchini, sliced
• 1⁄2 cup spaghetti, broken into 1 inch pieces
•  fresh grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Bring beans to boil in beef broth.
2. Boil for 2 minutes; then let stand 1 hour.
3. Add all remaining ingredients, except green beans, zucchini and pasta.
4. Cover and simmer until meat and beans are tender, about 1 hour.
5. Add green beans, zucchini and pasta.
6. Cover and simmer until done, about 20 minutes.
7. Remove bay leaf.
8. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan.