Anononymous 7-30-05

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, undrained

2 teaspoons dry basil leaves

3-4 cups boiling water, divided usage

2 cups beef broth

1/3 cup dry red wine

12 ounces ditalini, elbow macaroni, or any short tubular pasta

Salt and pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Chopped fresh basil leaves, optional

1. Place olive oil and garlic in a large saucepot (6 quart). Cook over medium heat just until golden. Add tomato paste and cook 3-4

minutes stirring occasionally. 2. Puree 1 can of beans in

food processor or blender; add to saucepot with remaining beans. Cook

2 minutes; stir in basil. Add 2 cups boiling water, broth, wine, salt

and pepper. Increase heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally,

about 5 minutes. Add pasta. Cook about 8 minutes or until al dente,

adding remaining hot water, if needed and stirring occasionally. 3.

Serve hot topped with Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.