Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 potato, peeled and diced
• 2 1/2 cups cooked white beans
• 6 slices French or Italian-style bread
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the onions, garlic, celery and carrot until the onion is soft.
2. Stir in bay leaf, parsley, chicken stock, water, tomatoes, thyme, cabbage, potato, and cooked beans. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 40 minutes, or until beans are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F(1175 degrees C). In a 4 quart casserole dish, place 1/3 of the mixture over the bottom. Layer 3 of the stale pieces of bread over the top. Place another 1/3 of the soup mixture over the bread followed by remaining 3 slices of bread. Top with remaining 1/3 of soup.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until soup is bubbling and cheese is light golden.