Submission by: Daisy Santoruvo

SERVES: Approximately 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb. Jack Rabbit Chick Peas
• 2 oz. ham
• 1 small carrot, diced
• ½ red onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ c. olive oil
• 15 oz. canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans of chicken broth
• ¼ tsp. dried rosemary leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 – 1 ½ c. small pasta shells
• Parmesan cheese, to taste

Al dente: An Italian phrase meaning 0“to the tooth,” used to describe pasta or other food that is cooked only until it offers a slight resistance when bitten into, but which is not soft or overdone.

PREPARATION:

• To prepare chick peas: Presoak and cook beans as directed.
• In a food processor, add ham, carrot, red onion and garlic clove. Process until fine.
• Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add vegetables and sauté until softened.
• Add reserved drained chick peas, tomatoes, chicken broth and rosemary leaves. Salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 30 minutes at medium heat.
• To prepare pasta: Bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and add to soup.
• Serve garnished with parmesan cheese.