Minestrone Parmesan Recipe

1/4 c olive oil
1 c minced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c minced cilantro
3 c finely diced smoked ham
4 quarts beef broth, boiling
1 c diced tomatoes
1 c diced carrots
1 c diced celery
1/2 c corn
1 c diced raw white potatoes
1 c cooked garbanzo beans
1 c uncooked small pasta (macaroni or smaller)
2 c shredded fresh spinach
freshly ground pepper, to taste
freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to taste

Heat oil in a large stockpot and saute onions, garlic, cilantro, and smoked ham until onions are soft. Add boiling beef broth and simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes. Add tomatoes, carrots, celery, corn, potatoes, and garbanzo beans all at once. Cover and barely simmer until vegetables are tender. Add pasta and cook until pasta is al dente. Season with pepper. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot. Serves 10-12.