Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Posted in response to a request. This is a wonderfully hearty soup that is pretty close to olive garden's. we used to go there several times a month when i lived close and get the soup and bread sticks. Mmmmmm
Steps
Slowly saute finely minced onion , celery and carrot in butter until very brown.
Add peas and beans and about 3 quarts of water.
Cook slowly until beans are almost done about 2 to 2 1 / 2 hours.
Add the remaining vegetables , rice and spices and more water if necessary and cook another hour.
About 20 minutes before serving time add the macaroni and more water if needed.
Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Serve with crusty garlic bread.
Ingredients
celery, onion, carrot, butter, garbanzo beans, kidney bean, dried whole peas, white pea beans, bell pepper, rice, shell macaroni, parsley, oregano, basil, soy sauce, pepper, parmesan cheese