Big Soup for a Cold Day

Someone told me that minestrone soup means "big soup."    No better thought--a big, warm, fragrant pot of soup on a icy day with the wind chills in the negatives!  

Minnestrone Soup
1 TB olive oil
1 l/2 cups chopped onion
4 medium carrots, thinly sliced 
1-2 clove garlic
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 14 l/2 oz. cans tomatoes, cut up (or diced tomatoes)
2 TB dried Italian seasoning, crushed
4 cups shredded fresh spinach
1 15-oz can navy beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium zucchini, quartered and sliced (l l/2 cups)
Dash pepper
Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

3-4 cups of cooked rice or pasta 

In a heavy pot heat oil on medium heat, then add onion, carrots, and garlic.  Stir and cook for about 3 minutes til onions are tender.  Stir in the broth, tomatoes (undrained), and Italian seasoning.  Bring to boil, reduce heat.  Cover and simmer about 20 minutes minimum.   Stir in spinach, beans, zucchini, and pepper.  Cover and cook 5 minutes more. Add up to 1 c. water if you want a thinner soup.   To serve scoop 1/2 cup of cooked rice or pasta into serving bowls and top with hot soup.   If desired sprinkle with Parmesan or Romano Cheese.  Serves 6 with leftovers.