Servings: 5

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup Elbow macaroni, shells, etc
• 2 Tbs Safflower oil
• 1 Medium Onion, chopped
• 1 Clove Garlic, minced
• 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
• 3 cups Vegetable stock or water
• 6 oz Can Tomato Paste (2/3 cup)
• 15 oz Can Chick Peas, drained *
• 16 oz Can Kidney beans, drained *
• 3/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Summer savory
• 1/2 tsp Thyme leaves
• 1 dash Cayenne Pepper

GARNISH:

• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the pasta in boiling water for about 6 minutes, until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat safflower oil in a Dutch oven or 4-5 qt saucepan.
3. Stir in chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green pepper. Sauté until tender.
4. Stir in vegetable stock or water, tomato paste, drained chickpeas, and drained kidney beans.
5. Add black pepper, summer savory, thyme leaves, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
6. Cover the pot and cook the mixture for 10 minutes.
7. When the pasta is done, drain it well and add it to the pot with the other ingredients.
8. Heat the mixture, stirring everything together.
9. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Serve the pasta and bean dish warm.

Note:

• Substitute or add other vegetables, such as chopped sweet red peppers or shredded carrots, to sautéed veggies.
• Instead of summer savory, thyme, and cayenne pepper, you can use 1 teaspoon of basil and 1 teaspoon of oregano for a different flavor profile.

Here are some variations you can try for the pasta and bean dish:

1. Italian Sausage: Brown some Italian sausage in a separate pan and add it to the pasta and bean mixture for added flavor and protein.
2. Mushrooms and Spinach: Sauté sliced mushrooms and fresh spinach with the onions and garlic for a delicious earthy taste and extra nutrients.
3. Mexican Twist: Use black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans for a Tex-Mex twist. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies and a pinch of cumin to give it a Mexican flavor profile.
4. Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes for a spicier version of the dish. Adjust the amount to your preferred heat level.
5. Cheese Lovers: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to make it creamy and cheesy.
6. Vegan Version: Omit the safflower oil and cheese, and use vegetable stock to make it entirely plant-based.
7. Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, parsley, or cilantro to add varying herbal flavors.
8. Roasted Vegetables: Instead of sautéing the vegetables, try roasting them in the oven to intensify their flavors.
9. Noodle Swap: Use different types of pasta like penne, fusilli, or bow-tie pasta to change up the texture and appearance.
10. Nuts and Seeds: Add toasted pine nuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
11. Asian Fusion: Swap the kidney beans for black beans and add sliced snap peas, edamame, and sliced scallions. Dress with a soy-based dressing and sesame seeds.
12. Mediterranean Delight: Use white beans and mix in marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and chopped fresh mint and basil.
13. Taco-Inspired: Season with taco seasoning and mix in corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
14. Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle some balsamic glaze or reduction over the pasta and beans for a tangy and sweet flavor.
15. Smoky Chipotle: Add some chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy twist.