Bavarische Böhnensuppe (Bavarian Bean Soup)

This is a hearty bean-and-pasta soup with a bold garlic-herb flavor; the secret of its uncommonly rich taste is the addition of wine - and, it can easily be made vegetarian style with the use of commercial or homemade vegetable stock. I have to give credit to Twelve Months of Monastery Soups (Broadway Books) by Brother Victor-Antoine d'Avila-Latourette for the suggestion of using wine; it's an excellent cookbook I'd recommend to any soup lover for both its wide array of seasonal recipes, and its selection of historical quotes. Fresh, crusty bread and a nice Riesling or Chardonnay would round out this idyllic European peasant meal perfectly.

• 1 lb. medium or large dry lima beans (other white beans, like Great Northerns or white kidneys (Tuscan beans) can be substituted)
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• Water
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 medium carrots, scraped and diced finely
• 1 medium onion, chopped (or 2T. dried minced onion)
• 8 c. water
• 6-7 cubes chicken (or vegetarian) bouillon (or 2 extra-large cubes Knorr™ bouillon)
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
• 1 tsp. powdered garlic
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, sliced
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. Italian mixed seasoning (basil, oregano, fennel)
• 1 cup dry white wine or Chinese shaoxing wine (preferred for its hearty flavor)
• 1/4 c. olive oil (adds richness)
• 1 c. uncooked small soup pasta (orzo, alphabets, stars, etc., to add complementary protein and help thicken the soup)

In a covered soup pot, place washed, inspected beans, baking soda and enough water to cover 1" above beans. Bring to a boil, and then remove from heat for 30 minutes. Drain.Add all remaining ingredients except pasta, and gently bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 45 minutes or until beans are tender. Raise heat to a rolling boil briefly, add pasta, and stir continuously for one minute to prevent sticking. Lower heat to a simmer again, and cook for another 15-20 minutes or until pasta is done.