Pasta Fagioli (Bean) Soup With Smoked Ham

Classic Cuisine

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2 (15 1/2ounce) cans dark red kidney beans, drained
• 1 (12 1/2ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
• 2 1⁄2 cups rotini pasta, uncooked
• 6  cups chicken broth
• 8  ounces smoked ham, diced
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  whole onions, chopped
• 2  carrots, sliced small
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon oregano
• 1⁄2 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 -4  garlic cloves, chopped fine
• 3⁄4 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄3 cup scallion, sliced
• 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a large stock pot, saute' onions,carrots and pepper in olive oil until tender. Add garlic,basil,oregano and ham Cook for 2 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, crushing them until they have a thick consistency.
2. Add chicken stock and kidney beans, bring to a boil and stir in Rotini, boil until pasta is done. Scoop off excess fat.
3. Remove from heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add mushrooms, Cover and set aside for about 5 minutes. Top with Parmesan cheese and scallions before serving.