Pasta and bean soup

5 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
½cupElbow macaroni,shells, etc
2tablespoonsSafflower oil
1xMed Onion, chopped
1xClove Garlic, minced
½xGreen Bell Pepper, chopped
3cupsVegetable stock or water
6ouncesCan Tomato Paste (2/3 cup)
15ouncesCan Chick Peas, drained *
16ouncesCan Kidney beans, drained *
¾teaspoonBlack pepper
½teaspoonSummer savory
½teaspoonThyme leaves
1dashCayenne Pepper

Directions

* rinsed well, then drained GARNISH: grated Parmesan cheese, optional Cook pasta in boiling water for about 6 minutes, until al dente.

While pasta is cooking, in Dutch oven or 4-5 qt saucepan, heat oil.

Stir in onion, garlic, and green pepper. Saute till tender. Stir in remaining ingredients except macaroni. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.

When pasta is done, drain well. Stir into other ingredients. Heat.

Garnish if desired. Variations: - substitute or add other vegetables such as chopped sweet red shredded carrot to sauteed veggies; substitute 1 t basil and 1 t oregano for savory, thyme, and cayenne pepper.