Cream of Garbanzo Soup

Source: Very Loosely adapted from 101 Meatless Family Dishes by John Ettinger, 1995

A filling, comforting soup.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 carrot, thinly sliced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped (may use another
    color if yellow isn't available)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
7 cups water
2 tablespoons vegetarian chicken-style seasoning/broth
    mix (I use McKay's brand)
1 (28-ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup fat-free half-and-half
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 cup fine egg noodles (or favorite recipe dumplings)

In a large kettle, heat oil over medium-high heat; saut