Semi-Homemade Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

3 slices of bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 cups water
1 cup prepared commercial spaghetti sauce
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 beef bouillon cubes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup zucchini, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1/4 cup spaghetti, broken into one-inch pieces

Instructions

Fry bacon. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Using one Tablespoon of bacon grease, saute onions and garlic until translucent.
Add carrots and celery and saute several minutes more.
Add 2 Tablespoons water, cover and cook for several minutes.
Add remaining ingredients, except zucchini.
Bring to boil. Cover and reduce heat to simmer.
Cook about 20 minutes or until spaghetti and carrots are done.
Add zucchini. Cook five minutes more.

If desired, top each bowl of soup with grated Parmesan cheese.