Cooking Our Way

4-16 oz. cans Cannellini beans

1/2 small onion

2/3 cup olive oil

1/4 t. chopped garlic

pinch thyme

1/2 T. chopped parsley

black pepper

6 slices bacon

1 stalk celery finely chopped

1 cup canned peeled tomatoes

6 cups beef or chicken broth

3/4 lb. ditalini or tubettini

1/2 c. grated cheese

Cook onion in oil in large pot until translucent. Add garlic and all herbs and seasonings being careful not to burn.  Add bacon and celery, cook until bacon starts to brown.  Add tomatoes and cook on low for 20 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil.  Mix in beans and bring to a boil again.  Add pasta.  Soup should be thick.  Stir constantly.  You may add the cheese right in the pot now or when you serve.