MomsMenu.com Recipe Finder Pasta & Bean Soup

1/2 cup Macaroni -- shells, elbow, etc.
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
1 medium Onion -- chopped
1 clove Garlic -- minced
1/2 medium Green Bell Pepper -- chopped
3 cups Water -- or vegetable stock
2/3 cup Tomato Paste
15 ounces Chickpeas, canned -- drained
16 ounces Kidney Beans, canned -- drained
3/4 teaspoon Black Pepper -- freshly ground
1/2 teaspoon Thyme -- crushed
1 dash Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon Mrs Dash, salt free seasoning blend

Cook pasta in boiling water for about 6 minutes, until al dente. While
pasta is cooking, in Dutch oven or 4-5 qt saucepan, heat oil. Stir in onion,
garlic, and green pepper. Saute till tender. Stir in remaining ingredients
except macaroni. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. When pasta is done, drain
well. Stir into other ingredients. Heat. Garnish if desired.

Variations: - substitute or add other vegetables such as chopped sweet red
shredded carrot to sauteed veggies; substitute 1 tsp. basil and 1 tsp.
oregano for thyme, and cayenne pepper.