2smallyellow onions, finely chopped (or 1 large onion)
4clovesgarlic, pressed
4celery stalks, chopped
3mediumcarrots, peeled and chopped
1largezucchini, diced (or 2 medium zucchini)
12ozpotatoes, peeled and diced
2tablespoonsfresh basil, finely chopped
2tablespoonsparsley, finely chopped
1teaspoonfresh sage, finely chopped
1can (15 oz)peeled and chopped tomatoes, drained
12cupsvegetable stock, plus more as needed
Parmesan cheese wedge (for rind and grating)
3/4cupArborio rice
2cupsgreen cabbage, chopped
1can (15 oz)cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add pancetta and chopped onions; cook for 10 minutes until onions are softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add celery, carrots, zucchini, potatoes, basil, parsley, sage, drained tomatoes, and vegetable stock. Cut rind off the Parmesan cheese wedge and add to the pot. Simmer partially covered for 30 minutes.
Add Arborio rice and chopped cabbage. Continue cooking partially covered for 25 minutes, or until rice is tender. Add extra stock or water if the soup becomes too thick.
Add cannellini beans and remove Parmesan rind. Heat through, then season soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each bowl.
Notes
This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. You can freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals.