**Keywords:** pasta soup, bean and grain soup, homemade soup recipe, vegetarian soup, healthy soup ingredients, low-carb soup alternatives
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### Perfect Bean and Pasta Soup: A Nutritious and Delicious Recipe
Bean and pasta soups are not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. This recipe combines the hearty flavors of beans, grains, and pasta to create a wholesome meal that is perfect for any season. Follow these detailed steps to make your own bean and pasta soup at home.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup of dried white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern)
- 1 cup of whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups of mixed grains (quinoa, barley, or farro)
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 stalk of celery, diced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
#### Step-by-Step Guide:
1. **Preparation:**
- Start by pre-soaking the beans in water overnight or at least for 4 hours. This step helps reduce cooking time.
- Rinse the grains thoroughly under cold water.
2. **Cooking Grains and Beans:**
- In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked beans and cooked grains separately and simmer according to their package instructions until tender but still firm (about 30-45 minutes for grains).
3. **Sauté Vegetables:**
- While the grains and beans are cooking, heat some olive oil in another large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. **Adding Broth and Tomatoes:**
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced carrots and celery to the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir well and let it cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. **Combining Ingredients:**
- Once the grains and beans are cooked, add them to the pot along with a can of diced tomatoes (with its liquid).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow everything to blend flavors.
6. **Seasoning and Finishing:**
- Add the whole wheat pasta to the soup and cook until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes.
- Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure flavors are well integrated.
7. **Serving:**
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot in bowls.
- Optional: top each serving with a drizzle of olive oil or sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
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Enjoy this delicious and nourishing bean and pasta soup that is perfect for a cozy night in or a hearty lunch.