| 1 | Soak the chick peas overnight in plenty of cold water; the next day drain the chick peas and rinse under cold water. |
| 2 | Set aside. |
| 3 | Place the oil and onion in a soup kettle, set over low heat and cook slowly until the onion has softened, about 5 minutes. |
| 4 | Increase the heat to medium, add the celery and stir-cook for 1 minute. |
| 5 | Add the carots and stir-cook for 1 minute; add the leek and stir-cook for 1 minute. |
| 6 | Add the garlic and cabbage, stir, cover the pot and cook for 2 minutes. |
| 7 | Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. |
| 8 | Dump in the chick peas. |
| 9 | Bring the soup base to a boil; boil for 3 minutes. |
| 10 | Cover and simmer for 1 ?to 2 hours, or until chick peas are completely tender. |
| 11 | (the soup may be prepared in advance to this point). |
| 12 | to finish the soup, add the zucchini and elbow macaroni to the simmering soup. |
| 13 | Cover and continue to simmer for 12 minutes, or until the macaroni is al dente and the zucchini is cooked through. |
| 14 | Season with salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste. |
| 15 | Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve piping hot. |
| 16 | makes 6 servings. |
| 17 | [washington post jan 11, 1989] |