White Bean and Pasta Soup

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dried great northern beans
• 3/4 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons dried currants
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup uncooked small pasta shell pasta
• grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. 1

   Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans beans, discarding liquid.

2. 2

   In the same pan, cook the sausage, onion, carrot, and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink.

3. 3

   Add the broth, water , currants, basil and beans. Bring to a boil and reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 1/2 - 2 hours or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally,.

4. 4

   Add the tomatoes and pasta; bring to a boil Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender.

5. 5

   Serve with parmesan Cheese.