Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

• 1/4 lb. bacon, chopped
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 c. chopped celery and leaves
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1/4 c. chopped parsley
• 1 c. chopped escarole
• 1 c. chopped cabbage
• 1 1/2 c. cooked, dried beans (kidney or small white)
• 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes
• 1/2 c. canned chickpeas
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 1/4 tsp. dried oregano
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. dry macaroni
• cayenne pepper
• 1 lb. Italian sausage, cooked and sliced into chunks
• grated Parmesan cheese