Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 large celery rib, finely chopped
• 1 large leek (or 2 small), white and light green parts only, washed well and thinly sliced
• 1 large zucchini, finely chopped
• 1/4 head of cabbage (green red or Savoy), thinly sliced
• 1 large russet potato, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 cups (2 quarts) water or vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup canned pureed or chopped tomatoes
• 3/4 cup dried pasta shells (small size)
• 8 ounces green beans, stem ends removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 15 ounces canned white navy beans (or cannellini beans)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
• Crusty bread for serving (optional)

Serves 4 to 6 as a main