Garden Minestrone

Sometimes, you just want to put your entire garden into a pot, let it simmer, then fill your belly with all the fruits of your summer labors. 

This soup is easy to make, freezes well, and is the perfect soul-warmer for those rainy, snowy days.
In a large soup pot over medium heat, saute for 5 minutes:

•     5 T butter
•     1/2 C olive oil
•     2 cloves garlic, minced
•     2 small yellow onions, diced
•     1 C diced celery
•     1 C diced carrots

Then, add the following ingredients and bring to a boil:

•     1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
•     2 qt broth (chicken, beef, vegetable - whatever)
•     1/2 qt water
•     1/2 t ground sage
•     1/2 C chopped basil
•     1 C shredded cabbage
•     2 C frozen spinach (chopped)
•     2 C zuchinni, sliced
•     1 C cooked beans (recommend kidney, black, red, or navy)
•     16 oz diced plum tomatoes

After soup has come to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes. Then, add 1 cup dry small shell pasta. Hard cheeses go well with this soup: romano, parmesan, asiago.