Soup Recipes » Bean Soup » Smoky Pasta and Bean Soup

Smoky Pasta and Bean Soup

Sautéed bacon pieces combined in deep skillet or stockpot with finely chopped onion, finely chopped celery, grated carrot, crushed garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mixture is sautéed over low heat to soften vegetables. Crushed tomatoes, white beans, chicken broth, and small shape pasta are added and soup is simmered to cook pasta. Individual servings topped with grated Fresh Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients -

6 Lean Smoked Bacon Slices, diced
1 Small Sweet Onion, finely chopped
1 Celery Stalk, finely chopped
1 Medium Carrot, peeled and grated
2 Garlic Cloves, peeled and crushed
1/8 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
2 cups canned Crushed Tomatoes
2-1/2 cups drained canned White Beans
6 cups Chicken Broth
3/4 cup Macaroni or other Small Pasta Shape, uncooked
freshly grated Parmesan Cheese, optional

Preparation:

1. Sauté the bacon until crisp in a large deep skillet.

2. Add the next 5 ingredients and sauté until the vegetables are softened, which takes about 10 minutes.

3. Add the tomatoes and stir to mix.

4. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the beans and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

6. Add the noodles and cook until the pasta is al dente, which takes about 15 minutes.

7. Serve topped with grated cheese.

Soup Making Tips -
Garlic

	Garlic bulbs fresh from the garden should be thoroughly washed and hung in a shady, moisture-free environment with good ventilation for at least a week. During drying time, the flavor of the garlic will concentrate and become more distinct. Once dry, the outer-most layer of skin should be removed. The dried bulbs can be stored the same as store-bought garlic, at room temperature in a dark, dry place with sufficient air circulation.

Soup Making Tips -
Sweet Onions

	Fresh onions, or sweet onions, have a stronger flavor than green onions and scallions, but they are milder than storage onions. Sliced or diced sweet onions taste great on sandwiches and hamburgers or in green salad, potato salad and pasta salad. Dishes that require short cooking time can benefit from the addition of sweet onions.

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