Minestrone

Minestrone

1 pound boneless chuck, cut into pieces
3 quarts water
1 or 2 teaspoons salt
1 can Italian peeled tomatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, cut up
1 cup chopped fresh parsley, or ½ cup dried
½ to 1 teaspoon oregano and basil
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
1 can chic peas (garbanzo beans)
1 cut up zucchini
1 small can (8 ounces) green beans
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup chopped cabbage
1 cup macaroni, uncooked

Brown meat and onions in a soup pot. Add water and tomatoes and simmer for a ½ hour or so while chopping the vegetables. Add everything but the macaroni and cabbage and simmer for another 1/2 hour or more. Add macaroni and cabbage and simmer 20 to 30 minutes until cooked. Adjust seasonings during the later cooking stage. Serve with parmesan cheese on top.