Traditional Pasta Fagioli Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Italian Classic
Pasta e fagioli, meaning "pasta and beans" in Italian, is a rustic and comforting dish that's been a staple in Italian cuisine for generations. This traditional recipe delivers a rich, flavorful broth brimming with tender beans, perfectly cooked pasta, and aromatic herbs. It's the perfect meal for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend gathering. Let's dive into creating this classic!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different types of beans and pasta!
- Beans: 1 cup dried borlotti beans (cannellini or other small white beans work well too), soaked overnight
- Pasta: 1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal)
- Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Liquids: 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor); 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- Flavor Boosters: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 bay leaf; a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Garnish (optional): Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Let's get cooking!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Beans and Broth
- Add the soaked beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!
Step 3: Incorporate Pasta
- Once the beans are tender, stir in the pasta.
- Continue to simmer, uncovered, until the pasta is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, depending on the pasta type. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Season and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Bowl:
- For a smoother texture: Use an immersion blender to partially puree some of the soup before adding the pasta.
- Add greens: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Boost the protein: Add cooked sausage, pancetta, or bacon for a heartier meal.
- Make it vegan: Ensure your broth is vegetable-based and omit any meat products.
- Customize your herbs: Experiment with other Italian herbs like rosemary or thyme.
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