T. Cook's Barlotti Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup Barlotti beans (white beans) soaked, or use 1 cup canned white beans
• 1/4 cup diced pancetta
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup zucchini, diced
• 1 clove chopped garlic
• 1 (12 ounce) can tomato juice
• 2 pints chicken stock
• 1/2 ounce chopped thyme
• 1/2 ounce chopped oregano
• 1/4 pound tubettini pasta, cooked according to package directions

Instructions

1. If using soaked beans, put in pot and cover with water to about 1 inch above the beans. Boil gently with the lid tilted until tender, about 1 hour. If using canned beans, drain and set aside.
2. In a large sauté pan, sauté the pancetta on medium high. Allow it to release some oil, then add vegetables and garlic to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften.
3. In a large stockpot, combine pancetta, vegetables, beans, tomato juice and chicken stock. Simmer for 1 hour, adding herbs and cooked pasta for the last 10 minutes.
4. Serve.