Instructions

  1. Combine first five ingredients; boil.
  2. Add next four ingredients; boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer stirring occasionally for 1 1/2 hours until beans are tender.
  3. Using a slotted spoon, remove most of the beans and transfer remaining liquid to a blender; process till smooth.
  4. Return mixture and beans back to the pot; Stir in alphabet pasta.
  5. Boil then reduce hear; cover and simmer 8 minutes until pasta is tender but firm.
  6. Yield: 6 1 1/2 cup servings.