Ingredients

• 3 cups - tomatoes, peeled and finely sliced
• 1 cup - shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup - rajma or white beans
• 1/2 cup - shelled peas
• 2 - large onions, finely chopped
• 1 - large potato, peeled and diced
• 1 - large carrot, pared and diced
• 1.5 tsp - chilli powder
• 2 tbsp - butter
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup - macaroni
• 2 - bay leaves
• 3 cloves - garlic, crushed
• 4 tbsp - grated cheese

How to Make Minestrone

• Soak beans in water overnight. Heat butter in a large pan and fry onions till transparent. Add tomatoes and beans. Pour in about 4 cups water and bring to a boil.
• Simmer till the beans are tender. Add potato, garlic, chilli powder and salt.
• Cook for about 10 mins. Add carrots, peas and 4 cups water.
• Simmer till vegetables are almost done. Add cabbage, macaroni and bay leaves.
• Cook till macaroni is done; all the vegetables will be cooked by now and there will be a thin gravy.
• Serve hot, sprinkled with grated and accompanied by chunks of crusty bread.