Garlic and White Bean Soup with Orzo

This is an easy, Italian-style pantry soup. The recipe below is the simplest - yet still delicious - version. See the variations for ideas to dress it up. Use home-cooked beans if possible--their flavor and texture will make a real difference here. I like to cook up dried beans in large batches and freeze them in amounts that I will want for a single dish. This is excellent served with a rustic bread for dipping.

1-2 Tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup minced garlic
3-4 cups cooked white beans
4-5 cups chicken or vegetable stock, more if desired
3/4 cup dry orzo
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a soup pot. Add the garlic and saute over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add the beans and stock and bring to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot. Serves about 4.

Variations: Add additional seasoning (especially welcome if the beans are canned or were cooked without seasoning) such as bay leaves, rosemary, or sage. Add chopped cooked bacon or ham. Or add additional vegetables such as carrots.