Pasta Bean Potage

Grrrrrgh!
Course : Italian
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 4
 

Ingredients:

4 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium Onion -- chopped finely
1 clove garlic -- chopped finely
1 medium carrot -- sliced
1 medium celery stick -- sliced
1 medium leek -- sliced
4 ounces cooked ham -- cubed
7 ounces canned cannellini beans -- rinsed and drained
1 1/2 pints chicken stock
2 ounces pasta spirals
4 large tomatoes -- skinned, de-seeded
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
 

Preparation:

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, celery and leek and cook gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the ham and cook for 5 minutes more. 2. Stir in the beans, stock and pasta spirals. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat, cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes. 3. Add the tomatoes, oregano and marjoram and simmer gently for 5 minutes more. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 4. Serve, piping hot, in warm soup bowls. Freezing recommended Pasta and Beans (pasta e fagioli) is a typical Italian combination. This hearty winter-warmer is a meal in itself. Substitute the cannellini beans with borlotti or haricot beans for a change.