Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

• Onion, chopped fine 4 tbsp
• Garlic, chopped fine 2 tsp
• Olive oil 2 tbsp
• Water 5 cups (1 litre)
• Tomatoes, grated 2 cups (250 g)
• French Beans, chopped fine 7-8
• Carrots, chopped fine ¼ cup
• Potatoes, peeled and diced small ½ cup
• Macaroni, cut ¼ cup
• Rajmah (Kidney beans), boiled ½  cup
• Salt 2 tsp or to taste
• Kali mirch (powdered black pepper) ¼ tsp
• Celery, chopped fine ¼ cup or ½ tsp celery salt
• Oregano leaves or ajwain 1 tsp
• Tomato puree 2 tbsp
• Patta gobhi (Cabbage) thinly shredded 4-6 tbsp
• Cheese, grated to garnish and serve on the side

Preparation

• Heat the oil and add onions and garlic. Saute till a little soft, add French beans, carrots and potatoes, saute a little more, then add the water, tomatoes and macaroni.

• Bring to a boil and simmer, half-covered, till the vegetables and macaroni are tender (approx. 5 mins.), but 'bite like'.

• Add the Rajmah, salt and pepper, celery or celery salt, oregano and tomato puree. Simmer covered for about 2 mins.

• To serve, put the cabbage into the bowls, pour the hot soup over it, garnish with some cheese and serve, along with the extra cheese.