Pasta Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli, which translates to “pasta and beans” in English, is a classic Italian dish known for its hearty and flavorful combination of pasta and beans. It’s a popular comfort food and can vary in preparation across different regions of Italy. Here’s a basic recipe for Pasta e Fagioli:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cannellini beans (or other white beans), soaked overnight
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans:
   • Drain and rinse the soaked beans. In a large pot, cover the beans with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the beans are tender but not mushy (about 45-60 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Saute Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Saute until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Garlic and Tomatoes:
   • Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and stir.
4. Add Broth and Spices:
   • Pour in the broth and add oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Combine Beans and Pasta:
   • Add the cooked beans to the pot. Also, add the pasta and continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked al dente.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the Pasta e Fagioli into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.

This comforting and nutritious dish is perfect for a cozy meal, especially during colder months. Feel free to customize the recipe based on your taste preferences. Enjoy!