E.J.'s Vegetable Noodle Soup

• HEALTHY

Ingredients

1. 2 small onions, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2. 3 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch dice
3. 4 carrots, thinly sliced
4. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
5. 1 garlic clove, minced
6. 3/4 teaspoon chopped thyme
7. 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8. 1 cup water
9. 1 bay leaf
10. Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
11. 2/3 cup alphabet pasta
12. 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
13. 2 tablespoons snipped chives

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onions, celery and carrots and cook over moderate heat, stirring, for 8 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute. Add the broth, water and bay leaf and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Stir in the pasta and simmer until tender, 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the peas and chives. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve.