Classic Minestrone Soup Con Pesto Alla Genovese

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 x onions, diced
• 2 x carrots, minced
• 2 x leeks, whites only minced
• 2 stalk celery, minced
• 2 x potatoes, diced
• 1 c. dry beans, soaked and cooked but still hard
• 1 lrg eggplant, skinned and diced
• 2 c. warm chicken broth
• 4 c. boiling water salt and pepper
• 2 x tomatoes, diced
• 1 1/2 c. cabbage, diced
• 1 1/2 c. spinach, diced
• 1 1/2 c. zucchini, diced
• 3/4 c. pasta, raw
• 3 Tbsp. pesto, heaping
• 1 1/2 c. fresh basil leaves
• 1 x garlic clove parmesan or possibly Romano cheese
• 3 Tbsp. pine nuts or possibly walnuts
• 1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil