Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. beef soup bones
  • 16 c. water
  • 2 bay leaf
  • 3 teaspoon salt (or possibly to taste)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon dry basil
  • 1 teaspoon grnd sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 med. carrots, sliced
  • 8 ounce. pasta, shells, or possibly elbow
  • 2 tbsp. oil or possibly butter
  • 2 lg. onions, minced
  • 2 lg. garlic cloves, chopped
  • 4 stalks celery, minced or possibly sliced
  • 10 ounce. green beans in 1 inch pcs
  • 1/2 med. head cabbage, shredded
  • 2 sm. zucchini, sliced
  • 3 (16 ounce.) cans tomato, cut up with juice
  • 1 (16 ounce.) can beans (garbanzo, kidney, or possibly any other), liquid removed and rinsed
  • 2 sm. cans tomato sauce
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Method

  • Combine bones and water; bring to boil.
  • Cover, reduce heat, and simmer about 2 1/2 hrs.
  • Remove bones and throw away.
  • Skim fat and debris from stock.
  • Add in spices and carrots; simmer, covered, till almost tender.
  • Meanwhile in a large skillet, heat oil or possibly butter and saute/fry onion, celery, and garlic till almost tender.
  • Add in to soup along with green beans, cabbage, zucchini, tomatoes, and beans.
  • Add in 1 or possibly 2 small cans tomato sauce, to taste, and simmer about 20 min.
  • Bring back to boil and add in pasta.
  • Cook about 15 min till pasta is tender.
  • Let soup "rest" before serving.
  • Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.