Zucchini Soup with Rice

Description
Makes 6 servings (generous 1 cup each).

Ingredients

 * ½ cup chopped onion
 * 1 clove garlic, minced
 * 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
 * 2 cups sliced zucchini (about ¾ pound)
 * ½ cup uncooked rice
 * ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
 * ¼ teaspoon ground sage
 * ¼ teaspoon thyme
 * 1 quart (4 cups) chicken broth
 * 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

 * 1) Cook onion and garlic in butter in Dutch oven or large saucepan until soft but not brown.
 * 2) Add butter, zucchini, rice, pepper, sage, thyme and broth; bring to a boil. Stir once or twice.
 * 3) Lower heat; simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
 * 4) Ladle into bowls; sprinkle with cheese.