Pasta e Fagioli
This is a great soup to warm your stomach on a cold winter night. So simple and so flavorful!
This is a great soup to warm your stomach on a cold winter night. So simple and so flavorful!
- 2 leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 can pinto beans
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 -3 pinches ground thyme (or a couple of sh
- 1 pinch rosemary (or a couple of shakes out the bottle
- 3 ounces bacon chopped (or pancetta)
- 5 3/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 can red kidney beans
- 3/4 cup small shell pasta i used orecchiette pasta
- you can add pieces sausage or ham which adds nicely to the flavor
- Carbohydrate 42.5702823031069 g
- Cholesterol 41.5810809117357 mg
- Fat 14.8964347362087 g
- Fiber 8.2819343893557 g
- Protein 21.9134661445394 g
- Saturated Fat 5.34640714917787 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (388g)
- Sodium 1640.95321737686 mg
- Sugar 34.2883479137512 g
- Trans Fat 1.24346413423961 g
- Calories 392 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onion, bacon, and garlic and saute until the onion is tender, about 3 minutes.
- Add the broth, beans, and herbs (thyme, bay leaves, rosemary).
- Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, then decrease the heat to medium and simmer until the vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes.
- Puree 1 cup of the bean mixture in a blender until smooth*.
- Before putting the puree back into the soup, add the macaroni and boil with the lid on until it is tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. You can also add sausage or ham at this time as well.
- Return the puree to the remaining soup in the saucepan and stir well.
- Season the soup with ground black pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Sprinkle with some Parmesan and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil just before serving.
- *When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.
Pasta e Fagioli: A Cozy Winter Comfort Food
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. But sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. This Pasta e Fagioli, a classic Italian soup, has become a staple in my kitchen, a comforting embrace on a chilly evening, and surprisingly quick to prepare. The deep flavors of the beans, herbs, and pasta create a symphony of taste that will leave your family wanting more.
I first encountered Pasta e Fagioli several years ago during a business trip to Italy. I was struck by the simplicity of the ingredients and the depth of the flavor. The rich broth, perfectly cooked pasta, and hearty beans created a hearty dish that felt both wholesome and satisfying. It wasn't just a meal; it was an experience, a taste of Italian culture and hospitality. It warmed me not just physically, but emotionally too, reminding me of the importance of slowing down and savoring life's simple pleasures.
Since then, I've made this soup countless times, adapting it to my own tastes and the ingredients I have on hand. It's incredibly versatile; you can easily customize it to your preference. Add some spicy sausage for an extra kick, or use different types of beans for a unique twist. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability; it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
This isn’t just a soup; it’s a story. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a busy schedule, we can still find time to nourish our bodies and souls with wholesome food. It’s a symbol of comfort, connection, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. I hope this recipe brings you the same warmth and happiness it has brought to my life.
Ingredients I typically use:
The ingredient list is quite straightforward, most likely already found in your pantry or easily accessible at the local grocery store. This is what makes it so fantastic! Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile considerably. If fresh herbs aren’t available, feel free to use the dried version but use a little less.
- Olive Oil and Butter: The combination of these two fats creates a richer and more flavorful base for the soup.
- Onion, Garlic, Bacon (or Pancetta): These aromatics build a foundation of delicious savory depth. Bacon is a classic addition but if you’re keeping things leaner, simply omit or use a little pancetta.
- Beans: Pinto beans and kidney beans are my go-to choices. Feel free to experiment with other types of beans, such as cannellini or great northern beans.
- Broth: I prefer low-sodium chicken broth to control the sodium content. Vegetable broth is also a wonderful substitute.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf impart wonderful earthy aromas to this dish.
- Pasta: Small shell pasta, such as ditalini or orecchiette, are perfect for this soup. They hold their shape well and add a lovely texture contrast.
- Seasoning: Black pepper and red pepper flakes add a nice kick.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a touch of salty richness.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Add protein: Include cooked sausage, ham, or even leftover chicken for a heartier soup.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Blend it all: For a creamier soup, blend a larger portion of the soup before adding the pasta.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Garnish it: Fresh parsley or a swirl of olive oil make beautiful finishing touches.
This simple recipe has become more than just a meal for me. It's a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the simple pleasures in life. The warmth of the soup, the aroma of the herbs, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch are all part of the experience. I encourage you to try it, adjust it to your liking, and share it with those you love. Happy cooking!
