Pasta Fagioli
beans, pasta
1 lb great northern beans (picked over)
1/3 lb pinto beans (also picked over)
5 quart water
1 small can tomato paste
1 1/2 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon basil (a little more won't hurt)
1 teaspoon oregano (a little more won't hurt)
2 1/2 tablespoon granulated garlic or 1 - 1 1/2 tbsp; . garlic powder
1 stalk celery cut into 3 pieces - di; scard later
1 cup olive oil (bertoli works very well)
6 carrots (grated)
(optional) 2/3 lb smoked picnic ham or 1 smoked ham hock Cook beans in water for 15 minutes (boil hard until beans sink). Add in the rest of the ingredients. Keep slowly rolling boil until beans are done. (Not too soft). If soup is too thick add a little more water. Cook 1/2 lb. of small shell macaroni (al dente). Drain well, add to soup when serving. Soup should be 30% macaroni - 70% soup. When serving add parmesan cheese, pepper to taste. - FreeZES VERY WELL.
Yield: 6 servings
