minestrone soup

Ingredients

• 1 small white onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 1/2 cups fresh green beans, cut in 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 (15 oz.) can cannelini beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 (28 OZ.) can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dried small pasta
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 - bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme, dried
• 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
• 1 teaspoon basil, dried
• to taste - salt & pepper
• 4 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced