MINESTRONE SOUP

Everyone has their own version of minestrone soup , here is mine . Minestrone is an earthy , filling soup . Melt 3 large tbs of butter / margarine in a large pot . Saute 4 sliced carrots , 4 sticks of celery trimmed and sliced , 2 potatoes roughly chopped , 3 onions roughly chopped ,2 tbs of minced garlic , 300gm of diced bacon ...for 5 minutes . Add 3 litres of beef stock along with 1 x 400gm can (drained) of red beans 1 400 gm of diced tomatoes , bring to the simmer allowing the vegetables to become tender , then add 1 cup of dried macaroni ( shells ) simmer uncovered for 25 minutes . Serve sprinkled with parsley . OPTIONAL ... Add 300 gm of bacon pieces or shredded chicken ..