## Pasta e Fagioli: A hearty and flavorful Italian soup
Pasta e Fagioli, meaning "pasta and beans" in Italian, is a classic Italian soup that is both hearty and comforting. Originating from central Italy, this traditional dish is a delightful combination of pasta, beans, vegetables, and herbs, simmered in a flavorful broth. Over the years, Pasta e Fagioli has gained immense popularity and is now enjoyed in many countries around the globe.
With many regional variations, Pasta e Fagioli can be prepared using different types of beans, vegetables, and pasta shapes. Some common ingredients include cannellini beans, kidney beans, or borlotti beans, along with vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. The soup is typically seasoned with herbs such as basil, oregano, and rosemary, and often includes the addition of pancetta or ham for a savory flavor.
This versatile soup can be customized to suit various dietary preferences and tastes. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add more vegetables or beans. For a thicker consistency, use smaller pasta shapes like ditalini or tubetti. And for a more rustic touch, use homemade chicken or vegetable broth instead of canned broth.
In this comprehensive guide, we present two delectable Pasta e Fagioli recipes that are sure to please your taste buds. The first recipe is a traditional version that uses cannellini beans, pancetta, and ditalini pasta. The second recipe offers a vegetarian twist, featuring kidney beans, a variety of vegetables, and orecchiette pasta. Both recipes are easy to follow and provide step-by-step instructions, ensuring a successful cooking experience.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey to savor the delightful flavors of Pasta e Fagioli. Buon appetito!
PASTA FAGIOLI (BEAN) SOUP WITH SMOKED HAM
Make and share this Pasta Fagioli (Bean) Soup With Smoked Ham recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Timothy H.
Categories Chowders
Time 1h5m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a large stock pot, saute' onions,carrots and pepper in olive oil until tender. Add garlic,basil,oregano and ham Cook for 2 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, crushing them until they have a thick consistency.
- Add chicken stock and kidney beans, bring to a boil and stir in Rotini, boil until pasta is done. Scoop off excess fat.
- Remove from heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add mushrooms, Cover and set aside for about 5 minutes. Top with Parmesan cheese and scallions before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 436.4, Fat 10.7, SaturatedFat 3.1, Cholesterol 25, Sodium 1203.9, Carbohydrate 58, Fiber 10.9, Sugar 5.3, Protein 27.7
PASTA E FAGIOLI WITH HAM, MUSHROOMS AND HERBS
This is a slightly different version of the traditional Italian dish, brimming with ham, herbs, tomatoes and onions. This pairs especially nicely with onion foccaccia bread.
Provided by JackieOhNo
Categories Ham
Time 50m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Heat 2 T. oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and bell pepper. Cook until beginning to soften, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add ham, 3 T. fresh basil, garlic and oregano. Stir 2 minutes. Add tomatoes. Cook until mixture is reduced to thick sauce, about 6 minutes. Add broth and beans. Bring to boil, mashing 1/4 of beans against sides of pot. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes.
- Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Add pasta. Boil gently until pasta is almost tender but firm to bite, 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle mushrooms over soup. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 5 minutes. Return soup to boil, stirring constantly. Adjust seasoning. Stir in 5 T. fresh basil. Ladle soup into bowls. Top with green onion tops and drizzle with oil. Pass Parmesan and freshly ground pepper separately.
Tips:
- Use flavorful beans: Choose beans that have a bold flavor, such as cannellini beans, kidney beans, or Great Northern beans.
- Sauté the vegetables: Sautéing the vegetables in olive oil before adding them to the soup helps to bring out their flavor and add depth to the soup.
- Use a flavorful broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth is a good base for pasta e fagioli, but you can also use a combination of the two.
- Season the soup well: Be sure to season the soup with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to taste.
- Let the soup simmer: Simmering the soup for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and develop.
Conclusion:
Pasta e fagioli is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a relatively inexpensive and easy soup to make. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious pot of pasta e fagioli that your family and friends will love.
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