Title: Comforting Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Introduction
Welcome to this flavorful journey of creating a classic Italian dish – Pasta Fagioli. This savory recipe is delightfully easy to whip up and loaded with all the right ingredients to provide that heartwarming comfort on a chilly evening. Its rich flavors are quite satisfying and guaranteed to feed about six people.
Why Make This Recipe
Pasta Fagioli, which translates to “pasta and beans”, is a traditional Italian peasant dish that remains a favorite for many due to its simplicity, affordability, and heartiness. This one-pot wonder is not just any soup – it’s a filling meal that combines the wholesomeness of legumes and pasta with the aromatic taste of various herbs and spices.
How to Make Pasta Fagioli
Ingredients :
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup ditalini or small pasta
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions :
1. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Introduce the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
2. Proceed to stir in your dried herbs – oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Let this cook for a minute.
3. Add in the diced tomatoes and broth, then let it come to boil.
4. Next, stir in the beans and pasta. Lower the heat and allow the mix to simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked just right (al dente).
5. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve your Pasta Fagioli hot, adorned with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
How to Serve Pasta Fagioli
To serve Pasta Fagioli, ladle generous portions into individual bowls. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top and garnish with fresh parsley to enhance its appealing look and taste. Accompany it with fresh crusty bread or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
How to Store Pasta Fagioli
To store left-over Pasta Fagioli, allow it to cool before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. To serve again, reheat on the stove-top over medium heat, adding extra broth or water if necessary.
Tips to Make Pasta Fagioli
1. Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
2. Pasta Choice: Choose smaller pasta shapes to ensure they cook well with the beans.
3. Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil and oregano if you have them on hand for a flavor boost.
Variations
For a non-vegetarian twist, you could add seasoned chicken or ground meat to your Pasta Fagioli for an extra dose of protein and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of beans?
Yes, just ensure the beans you choose can hold up well during cooking. Some alternatives include borlotti beans or kidney beans.
2. Can Pasta Fagioli be frozen?
Absolutely. To freeze, first, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a suitable freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
3. Can you make Pasta Fagioli in a slow cooker?
You certainly can. The slow cooker method will allow the flavors to blend beautifully, creating a rich and robust taste. Simply follow the first three steps, then instead of simmering, pour everything into a slow cooker and cook on low for six hours. Add the pasta during the last hour of cooking.
Now that we’ve discovered how to recreate this traditional Italian delight, it’s time for you to try your hand at this Pasta Fagioli recipe. Happy cooking!