Minestrone Soup: $30-40 version

Ingredients:
1 Stick Butter (like another one will matter at this point)
1 Onion
2 Carrots
2 Stalks Celery
2 Potatoes
1/2 lbs. Green Beans
6 Cups Water
1 16 oz. Can Tomatoes
1/2 Head Cabbage
1/2 10 oz. Bag Spinach
2 Zucchini
6 Beef Bouillon Cubes
16 oz. Can White Kidney Beans
16 oz. Can Red Kidney Beans
1/2 Cup grated parmesan cheese
3 Bay Leaves
2 Cloves Garlic
1 tsp. Basil
1 tsp. Italian Seasoning

Add butter to large pot, throw in the onions on medium heat... Brown lightly...
Start throwing things in at random... After chopping everything... That will take a minute or two.
Don't worry, the onions aren't burning, go ahead... chop the rest of it... what is the worst that could happen?

Ok, now you are off to a good start... the onions are cooking on medium heat... Things are going well...
Why not celebrate with a glass of wine...
Good job.
Ok, now add in the tomatoes (this will require a can opener)... Don't worry, the onions are fine... quit stirring them...
Tomatoes in... now 6 cups of water... and then the rest of the ingredients...
You forgot the cabbage, and the spinach...
Just throw it all in there...
Don't worry, it will be fine...
Now random handfuls of seasonings...

Good...
Stir once, set the timer for 45 minutes...
Sit down and finish your drink....