Pasta E. Fagioli (Fah-Zood) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 to 5 slices bacon
1 whole stalk celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped (or dried onions)
3 to 4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can white Great Northern beans (Green Giant), drained
1 can kidney beans (Green Giant), drained
1 c. pasta (ditalini) or small shells, elbow, etc.
dried red peppers
4 to 5 leaves fresh sweet basil, snipped (or 2 tsp. dried basil)
1 Tbsp. dried parsley
5 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small can tomato sauce
1 large can Hunt's tomatoes (with juice), chopped
2 1/2 qt. water (more or less)
Parmesan cheese, grated
1 bay leaf (discard after about 5 minutes)

Preparation

In a large heavy pot, fry bacon crisp and remove.
Saute onion, garlic and celery until tender, using lid.
Add water, drained beans, basil and parsley; simmer, uncovered, about 1 hour. Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, olive oil and some more water (if needed); cook until bubbly.
Add pasta and bay leaf; cook until it's done.
Salt and pepper to taste.