Anderson House New York Corner Cafe Minestrone Soup Mix

Ingredients  New York Corner Cafe Minestrone Soup Mix  8 oz Sliced bacon (or 8 oz diced ham)  1 Purple onion, diced (optional)  10 cups Beef broth  1 pt Fresh (or 1 box frozen) brussel sprouts, quartered (or 2 cups shredded cabbage)  29 oz Can diced tomatoes Directions Preparing the beans:1. Pick through the beans. Remove discolored, shriveled beans and any foreign material. Rinse well. Set aside until ready to use. Preparing the soup:1. Cut bacon in 1/2 inch pieces and sauté for 10 minutes over medium heat in a 6 or 8-quart pot until nearly crisp.2. Add onion, if using, and sauté 5 minutes.3. Stir in contents of New York Corner Café Minestrone Mix vegetable packet and toss lightly.4. Add beans, beef broth and water to pot.5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 hour.6. Add tomatoes and brussel sprouts (or shredded cabbage). Cover and cook for 20 minutes. 7. Add pasta and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Optional Garnish with grated parmesan c