Comforting spiced white bean and orecchiette stew

Recently I was looking to eat something hearty and comforting. Inspired by the amazing pasta soups at the bagel shops and cafés around here in New York, I was determined to bring together beans and pasta in a nutritious, soul-warming way. I took cues from our weekly vegetable delivery box with fresh leeks, spinach, carrot, and onion, then added in a couple of unconventional spices to make this a little special. Try this out for a weeknight dinner. It makes for great leftovers for lunch too!