Hearty Ham And Vegetable Bean Soup

This is one of those quick and easy soups that are delicious and healthy, as well. This recipe came from one of my Canadian Living magazines and I have always had success with it.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1  cup  uncooked pasta
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 2  onions, chopped
• 4  cups  chicken stock
• 2  carrots, chopped
• 2  cloves garlic, minced
• 1  sweet red peppers or 1  green pepper, chopped
• 1  small zucchini, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can plum tomatoes
• 2 1⁄2 cups  cubed ham
• 1  can red kidney beans, drained
• 1  can chickpeas, drained
• 4  cups  spinach leaves, chopped
• 1  teaspoon thyme
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried savory
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil or 1⁄2 teaspoon oregano
•  salt & pepper

Directions

1. Cook pasta until al dente (tender but firm).
2. Drain and rinse under cold water.
3. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat and cook onions until softened.
4. Add stock, carrots, garlic, sweet pepper and zucchini; bring to a simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in pasta, tomatoes, ham, beans, chick peas, and the rest of ingredients.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Enjoy!