PASTA E FAGIOLI (BEANS AND PASTA SOUP)

Pasta e Fagioli (Beans and Pasta Soup) image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

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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 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, including liquid
4 cups beef stock
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon, dried
1 bay leaf
Pepper to taste
Rind from a piece of Parmesan cheese
2/3 cup dried small pasta, such as shells or elbows
Minced fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan for garnish, if desired

Steps:

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.;