Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• Olive oil
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 2 cans White kidney beans, drained
• 5 Garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 cans Chicken broth
• 1 cup Elbow macaroni, cooked
• 1 large can Tomatoes
• Grated cheese, to taste
• Chopped parsley, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large sauté pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until softened.
3. Chop up or lightly process the tomatoes and place them into a crockpot along with the sautéed onion and garlic.
4. Add the white kidney beans and the chicken broth to the crockpot.
5. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with a little salt and pepper.
6. Cook the mixture in the crockpot on LOW for about 3 hours.
7. After 3 hours, add the cooked elbow macaroni and stir everything together.
8. Serve the soup with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top, if desired.
9. Enjoy the delicious and hearty tomato bean soup!

NOTE: If fresh garden tomatoes are available, you can remove the skins of 6 or 7 tomatoes and use them instead of canned tomatoes for an even more flavorful soup.

Here are some variations of the tomato bean soup recipe:

1. Italian Sausage and Kale: Brown some Italian sausage in a separate pan, then add it to the soup along with chopped kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The sausage will infuse the soup with its savory flavor, while the kale adds a nutritious and vibrant touch.

2. Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead to make the soup completely vegetarian. You can also add more vegetables like diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

3. Mexican-inspired: Add a can of diced green chilies and some ground cumin to give the soup a Mexican twist. Top it with diced avocado, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy and zesty finish.

4. Tuscan White Bean Soup: Use cannellini beans instead of white kidney beans and add a handful of fresh spinach or Swiss chard to the soup. Season with Italian herbs like rosemary and thyme for a Tuscan-inspired flavor.

5. Spicy Tomato Bean Soup: For some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sautéed onions and garlic. You can also use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky kick.

6. Mediterranean Twist: Swap the elbow macaroni with orzo or small pasta shells and add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean flair.

7. Creamy Tomato Bean Soup: After the soup has cooked and the macaroni is added, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to make it creamy and rich. Adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors.

8. Moroccan-Inspired: Add a teaspoon of ground cumin, a pinch of cinnamon, and a touch of honey to give the soup a Moroccan twist. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted almond slices.

9. Southwest Black Bean Soup: Replace the white kidney beans with black beans, and add some corn kernels, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a splash of lime juice for a zesty Southwest-inspired version.