Minestrone Milanese

Ingredients

• 1/4 c. olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 onion, minced
• 1 leek, diced (in season)
• 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 1/4 c. water
• 16 oz. can tomatoes, chopped (plus liquid)
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1/4 small cabbage, shredded
• 2 zucchini, diced
• 6 c. hot water or 3 cans bouillon
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1/3 c. raw rice
• 1 to 1 1/2 c. kidney beans (do not drain)
• grated Parmesan cheese