Portuguese Bean Soup

2 Tbsp oil

1 onion

2 carrots

celery too if you want

chop veg into 1/2” - 3/4” pieces

saute in oil in large soup pot for a few minutes

5-7 garlic cloves, smashed & sliced

2 potatoes

1 lb tomatoes

1 lb cabbage

other veg, e.g., zucchini, green beans, eggplant

chop veg as above

add to soup pot

8-10 oz (~8”) Portuguese sausage

halve lengthwise, slice 1/4” thick

add to soup pot

saute 2-3 min

1 can beans [black, pinto, kidney, or navy]

2 quarts broth [chicken or veg]

add to soup pot

bring to boil

lower to simmer for 45 min

2/3 cup soup pasta [ditalini, elbow, or baby shells]

8-12 oz ham

chop ham into 1/2” chunks

add ham & pasta to soup pot

simmer 10 min until pasta is done

off heat

let sit for at least 3 hours or overnight

warm to serve