Cabbage and Bean Soup

Ingredients :

1 head of cabbage, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp olive oil
3 carrots, chopped
1 sprig fresh thyme
6 cups water 1 can canellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 leek, (white parts) rinsed and chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
salt and pepper to taste

Saute onion, celery, carrots, leek in olive oil. Add garlic and saute a few minutes. Add cabbage and saute 10 min.  Add tomato paste, Thyme and stir. Cover with the  water. Bring to a boil and cook on low simmer for 40 minutes, remove thyme, then add potatoes and beans and cook additional 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Best served with toasted bread, or garlic bread. Can also add ham or bacon, for a smoky flavor. Or add a few handfuls of parmesean cheese.