Classic Minestrone Soup

Name: Classic Minestrone Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3/4 cup chopped onion; 3/4 cup chopped carrot; 3/4 cup chopped celery; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 bay leaf; 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed; 1 Yukon gold potato, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks; 2 cups sliced savoy or curly cabbage; 1 zucchini, cut into 3/4-inch chunks; 2 medium fresh ripe tomatoes (romas if available), cored, peeled, chopped; 6 cupschicken stock(orvegetable stockfor vegetarian version); 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini or great northern white beans, drained(about 1 1/2 cups cooked white beans); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; Parmesan cheese, grated for garnish