North Pole Soup (Ham & Kidney Bean Soup)

LitaLou's Note:

This recipe is from a long-defunct and short-lived 1980's magazine, "New Woman." It's a delicious and easy soup, and although the recipe doesn't call for it, I like to add cabbage and to spice it up with some crushed red pepper.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, cut in 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 garlic cloves, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 3 ounces ham, diced
• 1/2 cup canned tomato
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup red kidney beans, drained
• 1/2 cup macaroni
• salt
• pepper
• parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in medium saucepan. Cook carrot and onion in hot oil, 5-7 minutes.
2. Add garlic, basil and ham and cook an additional 2 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and if using whole tomatoes, crush. Add broth & beans. Mash some of the beans with potato masher. Simmer 20 minutes.
4. Add pasta, and cook until done per package directions.
5. Serve with Parmesan cheese.