Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Serves 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb great northern beans (picked over)
  • 1/3 lb pinto beans (also picked over)
  • 5 qt water
  • 1 small can tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp basil (a little more won't hurt)
  • 1 tsp oregano (a little more won't hurt)
  • 2 1/2 tbsp granulated garlic or 1 - 1 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 stalk celery cut into 3 pieces, discard later
  • 1 cup olive oil (bertoli works, very well)
  • 6 carrots (grated)
  • 1/2 small shell macaroni
  • 2/3 lb smoked picnic ham or 1 smoked ham hock (optional)

    • Instructions:

    1. Cook beans in water for 15 minutes (boil hard until beans sink).
    2. Add in the rest of the ingredients.
    3. Keep slowly rolling boil until beans are done.
    4. (Not too soft).
    5. If soup is too thick add a little more water.
    6. Cook macaroni al dente.
    7. Drain well, add to soup when serving.
    8. Soup should be 30% macaroni - 70% soup.
    9. When serving add parmesan cheese, pepper to taste. FREEZES VERY WELL.