Fagioli Soup

This soup has such a simple ingredients list, you will wonder where its fabulous flavour comes from. It's the beans, of course, but still ...

(Fawj-OH-lee)

1 c dried navy beans

8 c water

1 tb ketchup

1 tb salt (or less, to taste)

¼ tsp pepper

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp oregano

¼ tsp basil

1 bay leaf

1 c tiny pasta shells (or any noodles, really)

Combine first 9 ingredients in large pot; bring to boil. 

Cover and simmer slowly for about 2 hours, till beans are tender. 

Discard bay leaf.

Add raw pasta. 

Simmer till tender, about 10 minutes. 

Stir occasionally; if too thick, add water.

* From Jean Paré’s Company’s Coming: Pasta cookbook