Bean and Macaroni Soup

Ingredients




* 2 cans (16 oz.) great northern beans


* 1 tablespoon olive oil


* 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced


* 1 cup onion, coarsely chopped


* 2 cup carrots, sliced


* 1 cup celery, coarsely chopped


* 1 clove garlic, minced


* 3 cups cut-up peeled fresh tomatoes or 1-1/2 lbs. canned whole tomatoes cut up


* 1 teaspoon dried sage


* 1 teaspoon dried thyme


* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano


* black pepper to taste


* 1 bay leaf, crumbled


* 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni




Directions

1.Drain beans and reserve liquid. Rinse beans.

2.Heat oil in a 6-quart kettle; add mushrooms, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and saute for 5 minutes.

3.Add tomatoes, sage, thyme, oregano, pepper, and bay leaf.

4.Cover and cook over medium heat 20 minutes. Cook macaroni according to directions on package using unsalted water. Drain when cooked. Do not overcook.

5.Combine reserved bean liquid with water to make 4 cups.

6.Add liquid, beans, and cooked macaroni to vegetable mixture.

7.Bring to a boil; cover and simmer until soup is throughly heated. Stir occasionally.

Yield: 16 servings--Serving Size: 1 cup