[Tracy's Minestrone Soup]

My friend, Tracy, invited me for lunch this week ... and served the most delicious soup ever.  I asked for the recipe, and she gave it to me.  Winning.

Minestrone Soup

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1/2 pound of italian sausage, ground
1 large onion (chopped)
1 clove of garlic
1/2 cup chopped celery, carrot and green pepper
2 tbsp parsley
1/2 tsp dried basil
pinch of dried thyme
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper
2 cups of chopped tomatoes (19oz can)
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups of shredded cabbage
1 cup of kidney beans
1/2 cup of elbow macoroni
freshly grate parmesan (optional)

Directions:

- In a large heavy sauce pan, heat oil and butter.   Add sausage, brown lightly.
- add chopped onion, garlic, celery, carrot and green pepper.  Cook until softened.
- sir in parsley, basil , thyme, and bay leaf ... add salt and pepper.
- stir in the tomatoes and stock.
- bring to a boil.
- reduce heat and cover, simmer 10 minutes.
- add cabbage, beans and pasta.  Simmer for 30 minutes.
- serve with sprinkled parmesan on top.