Ingredients
- 2 garlic (cloves)
- 1 sprig rosemary (fresh)
- 1 onion
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 carrot
- 6 c water
- 4 c beef stock
- 3 c beef broth (canned)
- 2 c pinto beans (dried)
- 6 tb olive oil
- 1/4 lb arborio rice
- 1/4 lb elbow macaroni
- 3/8 c parmesan cheese
- 1 tb all purpose flour
- 2 tb parsley
- 1 ts rosemary (dried)
- 2 slices salt pork
- 2 slices prosciutto rind
Additional Parmesan cheese Place beans in a large bowl. Add enough cold water to cover and let stand overnight. Drain and rinse beans thoroughly. Prepare meat broth. Place beans in a large saucepan. Add water, broth, 2 tablespoons oil, prosciutto rind or salt pork, carrot, celery and onion. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer 50 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a small saucepan. Add rosemary. Cook over medium heat until lightly browned. Discard rosemary. Add parsley and garlic; saute. When garlic changes color, stir in flour. Cook and stir about 1 minute. Remove 1 cup cooking liquid from bean mixture. Stir in tomato paste. Stir into flour mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add to bean mixture. With a slotted spoon, place a third of bean mixture in a blender or food processor. Process until smooth. Return to saucepan. Bring soup to a boil. Add pasta or rice and cook over high heat 8 to 10 minutes. Stir several times during cooking. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Stir 1 tablespoon oil and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese into soup. Serve hot with additional Parmesan cheese.