1/4 c. salt pork
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tbsp. parsley, minced
1/2 tsp. basil
3 stalks celery
2 med. carrots, sliced
2 med. potatoes, diced
2 c. navy beans
1 c. green peas, frozen
1 green pepper, diced
6 c. chicken broth
1 c. pasta shells, small
Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp. tomato paste

Soak bean in large pot overnight; then the next day drain water and put aside. Then saute salt pork in a heavy saucepan until rendered, then add onion, garlic and parsley, stir and saute until onion is soft. Add all other ingredients except pasta shells and cheese, cover and cook gently for about 1 hour. Then add pasta and cook 10 minutes or until pasta is done. Sprinkle soup with cheese before serving.