Pasta E Fagioli (Bean And Pasta Soup)
Grrrrrgh!
Course : Soups
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 6
 

Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1                cup  dried cannellini
                        OR great northern beans -- soaked
  2        tablespoons  olive oil
  1                     onion -- minced
  1                     celery stalk -- minced
  1                     carrot -- minced
     1/2         pound  smoked ham -- diced
  2                     garlic cloves -- minced
  1                can  crushed tomatoes including liquid/28 oz
  4               cups  beef stock
  1         tablespoon  minced fresh thyme
                        OR 1 teaspoon dried
  1                     bay leaf
                        pepper to taste
                        rind from piece of parmesan cheese
     2/3           cup  dried small pasta
                        such as shells or elbows
                        fresh basil -- minced for garnish
                        -- if desired
 

Preparation:

Drain the beans and set aside. In a large stockpot heat the oil over moderate heat until hot. Add the onion, celery and carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add ham and garlic and cook stirring, 1 minute. Add tomatoes, beans, beef stock, thyme, bay leaf and pepper to taste. Add the Parmesan rind. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Transfer 1/2 cup of the beans to a small processor or blender and puree. Return beans to pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring liquid to a boil and add pasta. Simmer until pasta is tender about 6 minutes. Garnish with basil and cheese.

 

Nutritional Information:

69 Calories (kcal); 5g Total Fat; (67% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 1426mg Sodium