The flu is upon us along with all sorts of other contact viruses and colds. Rest and chicken soup is probably what the doctor has ordered along with other stay-at-home remedies. Even though it’s good for you, you are probably tired of the same old chicken noodle soup.

I found a recipe the other day and played around with it, like I always do. I came up with a very cozy soup to help with those dreadful feelings a cold can bring on. It’s best with the chicken broth for what ails you but you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

White Bean Pasta Soup

4 (14 oz. Cans) Chicken or Vegetable Broth

3 cans of best northern beans drained

1 can chickpeas or garbanzo beans drained (optional)

1 tbs of olive oil

2 tbs of fresh or dried rosemary tied up in a cheese cloth, gauze, or a knee high hosiery sock (optional)

1 tbs tomato paste

1 tbs garlic powder

1 tbs ground cumin

1 pinch of white pepper

salt to taste (you don’t need much)

1 and a half cups of ditalini or other small pasta

In a large pot put the broth and oil on to boil. Add all the spices including the rosemary.

Drain the 4 cans of beans and add them to the boiling broth. Boil on high for about 10 minutes.

Remove about a cup of beans and a cup of liquid from the pot and put in the blender or food processor along with the tomato paste and blend well. If you want a thicker soup, add more beans to this step.

Add the liquefied soup back to the pot and bring back to a boil for about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the pasta and cook on high for about 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to a simmer for about 10 more minutes. Remove the rosemary and give the soup a good stir.

Ladle your soup out and add a spoon of sour cream, cheese, or just leave it alone and eat with crackers. This soup is like a warm blanket to curl up with when it’s raining, cold, or you just don’t feel good. It is so comforting.

Just remember – especially at this time of year – to wash your hands, take your vitamins, stay hydrated and eat good-for-you foods so we can try to stay well.

Until next time, have fun in the kitchen, experiment and indulge your cravings.

Laura Clements is the manager of Kafe Buzz