Kate's Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
2 carrots
2 potatoes
1/2 lb green beans
6 c water
1/2 head of cabbage
16 oz tomatoes
1/2 bag spinach leaves coarsely
2 zucchini
6 beef bouillon
16 oz kidney beans
2 orzo
1/2 c parmesan cheese

Instructions

In large saucepot, cook onion, carots, potatoes & green beans until just browned (about 20 minutes). Add water, cabbage, tomatoes with their liquid, spinach, zucchini, & bouillon. Bring to the boil, stirring to break up tomatoes. Simmer, covered, over low heat for about 40 minutes until vegetables are tender. DON'T overcook or they'll get mushy. Heat water for orzo. As orzo cooks, stir beans into the soup & heat for 15 minutes. To serve, ladle soup into the bowls, stirring orzo into each bowl. Top with cheese.