Alice's Minestrone Soup

Directions

Drain the beans and boil them in 3 quarts water about 1 hour, or until tender.

Place the olive oil in a large kettle and add the salt pork, garlic, onions, leek, parsley, and basil.

Brown lightly. Add the tomato paste thinned with a little water and cook 5 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, celery, carrots, potatoes, turnip, cabbage, zucchini, water, salt and pepper and cook slowly 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Add the beans.

Add the macaroni and cook 10 minutes, or until tender.

Correct the seasonings and pour into heated bowls.

Serve immediately, sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese.