Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Grrrrrgh!
Course : Soups
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 6-8
 

Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
1         cup           finely minced celery
1         cup           finely minced onion
1         cup           finely minced carrot
1/4       cup           butter
1/2       cup           garbanzo beans
1/2       cup           kidney beans
1/2       cup           whole dried peas
1/2       cup           white pea beans
3/4       cup           sliced carrots
3/4       cup           coarsely chopped onion
3/4       cup           sliced celery
3/4       cup           chopped bell pepper
1/2       cup           rice or barley
1         cup           shell macaroni
2         tablespoons   minced parsley
1         teaspoon      oregano
1         teaspoon      basil
2         teaspoons     soy sauce
                        Pepper to taste
                        Parmesan cheese
 

Preparation:

Slowly saute finely minced celery, onion and carrot in butter until very brown. Add beans and peas and about 3 quarts of water. Cook slowly until beans are almost done (check garbanzos - they will take the longest) about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Add the remaining vegetables, rice(or barley) and spices and more water if necessary and cook another hour. About 20 minutes before serving time add the macaroni and more water if needed. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty garlic bread.