Minestrone de Verdure

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup zucchini, cubed (1/2-inch cubes)
1 cup carrot, cubed (1/2-inch cubes)
1 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup eggplant, cubed (1/2-inch cubes)
1/2 cup potatoes, cubed (1/2-inch cubes)
1/2 cup white cabbage, chopped
2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
5 cups vegetable stock (or water)
1 cup flageolet beans, cooked
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp. nondairy Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

• Heat the oil in a large pan and sauté the onions and garlic on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add the chopped vegetables and stir over medium heat for 5 more minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and the tomato paste and stir well. Stir in the vegetable stock, cover the pan, and simmer slowly for about 40 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender. Add the cooked beans, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Add some water, if necessary, to get the desired consistency.
• Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with the nondairy Parmesan cheese, and serve hot.

Makes 4 servings