Christmas Eve Minestrone Soup

Place undrained beans in a large kettle or saucepan; mash about 2/3 of the beans and leave the rest whole. Add garlic, pepper, oil and parsley, stirring well. Then add all the vegetables, tomato sauce and water. Simmer 1 hour or more. Pasta may be added at this point. Simmer 10-15 minutes longer. Sprinkle with cheese before serving. Serves 6. If soup seems too thick add more water and salt to taste.