Instructions

  1. Part One: The Broth.
  2. Remove the papery skins from the garlic heads and break them into cloves.
  3. Whack the cloves with the broad side of a wide knife.
  4. Combine everything up to and including the thyme in a large pot and bring to a boil.
  5. Cover, lower the heat, and simmer for an hour.
  6. Strain the stock and use right away, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to four days, or freeze up to six months.
  7. Part Two: The Soup.
  8. Sauté onions in oil, until they are starting to soften.
  9. Add carrots, peppers, zucchini, garlic, basil, oregano, chili flakes, and turn down to medium-low and cover, stirring frequently, until the veggies start to soften a bit.
  10. Add diced tomatoes and broth, and season with salt and pepper.
  11. Bring to a simmer, cover, and allow to cook for 45 minutes or so.
  12. Add drained and rinsed beans.
  13. Add pasta, and cool immediately or pasta will start to break down and fall apart.