This cholesterol-free dish is virtually fat-free, prepared with only 1 tablespoon of oil for 16 servings.

2 cans (16 oz.) Great Northern beans
1 T. olive oil
1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced
1 C. onion, coarsely chopped
2 C. carrots, sliced
1 C. celery, coarsely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 C. cut-up, peeled fresh tomatoes
     or 1 1/2 lb. canned whole tomatoes, cut up
1 t. dried sage
1 t. dried thyme
1/2 t. dried oregano
black pepper, to taste
1 bay leaf, crumbled
4 C. cooked elbow macaroni

1. Drain beans and reserve liquid. Rinse beans.
2. Heat oil in a 6-quart kettle. Add mushrooms, onion, carrots, celery, garlic. Saute 5 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, sage, thyme, oregano, pepper, bay leaf.
4. Cover and cook over medium heat 20 minutes. Cook macaroni according to package directions using unsalted water. Drain when cooked. Do not overcook.
5. Combine reserved bean liquid with water to make 4 cups.
6. Add liquid, beans and cooked macaroni to vegetable mixture.
7. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer until soup is thoroughly heated. Stir occasionally.

YIELD: 16 servings SERVING SIZE: 1 cup

NUTRITION ANALYSIS PER SERVING: Calories, 158; Total fat, 1 gram; Saturated fat, less than 1 gram; Cholesterol, 0 milligrams; Sodium; 154 milligrams*

*If using canned tomatoes, sodium would be higher.