Ronnie's Notes
I have a cold, which means I need soup. Hot, thick, comforting soup.
But I don’t feel like going out, especially to a supermarket, to buy the stuff I need for soup.
Fortunately I have a well-stocked cupboard and fridge. I have everything I need to make Bean and Pasta Soup. I am adding Harissa because I want that extra kick of heat to help clear my head.
Here’s some advice to consider: keep certain items in your house so you can always make something delicious to eat when you can’t, or don’t want to shop. Canned or packaged tomatoes, beans, stock, pasta and crisper items such as onions, carrots, celery and lemons are just a few of the staples I stock.
If you don’t have fresh basil, substitute with about a teaspoon of dried oregano; if you don’t have Harissa, add a few drops of Sriracha or Tabasco sauce.
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat.
Add the onion, garlic, carrots and celery and cook for or until softened slightly.
Add the tomatoes, stock, basil, parsley and some salt and pepper to taste.
Bring to a boil and simmer partially covered for .
Add the pasta, beans and Harissa and cook for or until the pasta is tender.
Serve the soup sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Makes 6 servings.