Papa's Italian Pasta Fazool - Pasta and Bean Soup

This is a wonderfully tasteful Italian soup that can be1. Put the water and beans above in the pressure
cooked with a pressure cooker (it comes out greatcooker. Bring to pressure on 8½-9 setting (high heat),
and is a lot faster) or more slowly in a regular pot. Thisand then cook them for 60 minutes (or for 30 minutes
soup is sure to please your family and company withif beans are presoaked) on the 2-1/2 setting (medium
its clean Italian flavor and healthful ingredients. I havelow heat).
had many people ask me for this recipe after eating it2 14 ounce can chicken broth
at my house. Also, I have found that a quart or two of1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
this great soup make a great gift, especially on those2 medium white or yellow onions, coarsely chopped
cold winter nights.6 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
This recipe was designed for a pressure cooker.3 ribs celery, coarsely chopped (or celery seed)
However, for regular pot cooking:6 teaspoons jarred minced garlic
Soak the beans over night in the amount of water as2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes
indicated below, then, leaving them in the soaking2-1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
water, cook the beans in a large covered pot until just3 rounded teaspoons salt
done. Add the rest of the ingredients (except cheese)1/2 rounded teaspoon pepper
and cook until the pasta is done and carrots are just1/2 rounded teaspoon red pepper flakes
tender.3/8 pound pasta shells
MAKES 6 QUARTS (You must use an 8 quart2. Release the pressure and then add these
cooker for this larger batch or you can cut all theingredients to the pot and bring the cooker back to
ingredients in half and use a smaller cooker)pressure on 5-1/2 to 6-1/2 setting (medium heat...higher
14 cups water (1 or 2 cup less if beans have beenmay burn the beans), then cook under pressure on 2-1
presoaked over night)2 setting (low heat) for 8 minutes more.
1 pound Great Northern beans (soaked overnight for3. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
faster cooking)