Pasta Fagioli

It's that time of year when soup is considered 'good food" here is one of my fave's.

1 pound ground beef

can of pinto or mixed lentils

1 carrots, diced small or shredded

1 celery stalks, cut into very small slices

1/8 cup olive oil

1  cups chopped onions

3 tablespoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon crushed chili's

3/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

3 bay leaves

1/3 can tomato paste 

1 can tomatoes diced( 28 oz )

4 cups water

4 cups chicken broth ( or litre container ) 

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 1/2 cups orzo or other small pasta

freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Heat oil in large soup pot and brown the meat. Drain excess fat out.  Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook over low heat until onions are soft about 10 - 12 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Add the tomatoes, and tomato paste to the ground beef.

Stir in the water; cover partially with lid and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.

Add the beans without draining them and all spices. Add salt and pepper. 

Add the orzo and bring to boil, reduce heat, continue to simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes depending on pasta choice. Stir in the parsley.

Garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Serve with some red wine and snuggle by the fire!