Soups and Sandwiches Recipes - Zuppa Pasta Fagiola

Ingredients    

• 3/4 pound dried white kidney or lima beans

• Water

• Ham shank (about 2 lbs) or ham bone

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 medium firm tomatoes, peeled and chopped

• 1/2 tsp. pepper

• 1/4 tsp. rubbed sage

• 1/4 tsp. thyme leaves

• 6 cups water

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 cup dry white wine

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. pepper

• 2 ozs. (1 cup) Twist Macaroni

Makes 8-10 servings

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Method:

1. Soak beans in water overnight; drain. Remove skin and excess fat from ham shank.

2. In a large kettle, combine beans, ham shank, garlic, 2 of the chopped tomatoes, 1/2 tsp. pepper, sage, thyme and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer gently 2 hours, or until beans are tender.

3. Remove shank from kettle; dice meat and return to kettle. While beans are cooking, combine olive oil, the remaining 2 chopped tomatoes, wine, salt and 1/4 tsp, pepper in medium saucepan.

4. Simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes. Pour into bean mixture. Bring to a boil; add Macaroni and continue to cook 9 to 12 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Serve in large soup bowls.