Minestrone (recipe)

Ingredients

• 5 onions
• 10 tablespoons oil
• 500g bacon pieces
• 1 medium cabbage, shredded
• 2 bunches celery, chopped
• 15 litres beef stock
• teaspoon pepper
• 300g beans soaked overnight teaspoon salt
• medium knob garlic
• 500g broken macaroni
• 5 teaspoons basil
• 1 teaspoon dillweed
• large pinch saffron or mace (as preferred)
• 750g vegetables in season, carrots go well
• grated parmesan as garnish

Method

1. Put the oil in a large saucepan.
2. Add the onion and fry until soft and translucent.
3. Add the bacon and fry for a few more minutes.
4. Stir in the cabbage, celery, beef stock and beans and bring to the boil.
5. Season well and simmer, covered for 2 1/2 - 3 hours or until beans are tender.
6. Add the remaining ingredients and continue to simmer for a further 20 minutes.

Once at hall, stir continuously. Serve garnished with cheese. Serves 40.