FLORENTINE WHITE BEAN SOUP WITH PASTA

Steps:

• Place beans in large pot.
• Add enough cold water to cover beans by 3 inches.
• Let stand overnight.
• Drain beans well.
• Return to pot.
• Add 16 cups water, 5 unpeeled garlic cloves, and celery stalk.
• Bring mixture to boil; reduce heat to low and simmer 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add onions and 3 chopped garlic cloves and sauté until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
• Add tomatoes with juices, rosemary, sage, and celery salt to mixture, stirring to combine.
• Add vegetable mixture to bean mixture in pot.
• Simmer soup until beans are tender, about 45 minutes.
• Cook pasta in another large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally.
• Drain well.
• Add cooked pasta and remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil to soup, stirring to combine.
• Thin soup with more water, if desired.
• Season soup to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
• Makes 12 first-course or 6 main-course servings.