Classic Italian Pasta E Fagioli Recipes

PASTA E FAGIOLI SOUP

Steps:

• In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch Oven, combine the beans, bay leaves and 2 quarts (8 cups) of water. Bring to a boil, over medium high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer and cook until the beans are tender, about 1 hour.
• Using a colander set over a bowl, drain the beans, collecting the broth into the bowl. Add chicken stock to complete 6 cups of liquid. Reserve the broth and the beans.
• Wipe down the pot and bring it back to the stove, over medium heat. Heat the olive oil and sauté the pancetta until golden brown. Remove and place in a paper towel-lined plate to soak up the excess grease. Reserve.
• Add the onion, leek, carrot and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for a minute or two, or until fragrant.
• Stir in the thyme leaves and cook for about a minute.
• Add the pancetta back into the pot. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, parmesan rind, reserved broth, salt and pepper.
• Cover, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
• In the meantime, cook the pasta separately, according to package instructions.
• Add reserved beans and cooked pasta to the soup.
• Stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper.
• Stir in the sliced basil, reserving some for garnishing.
• Garnish with basil and fresh thyme. Serve immediately.

PASTA E FAGIOLI

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and fry the onion, celery and carrots for 10 mins until lightly golden. Add the garlic, rosemary and bay and fry for a minute more.
• Add the stock and chopped tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Tip in the Napolina cannellini beans, bring back to a simmer and cook for 5 mins. Roughly mash with a potato masher to break up some of the beans (or pulse once with a hand blender) - this will thicken the soup slightly. Season well.
• Add the pasta and cavolo nero, then simmer for 4-6 mins more until the pasta and greens are tender. Taste for seasoning, then remove and discard the rosemary sprigs and bay. Serve the soup in warmed bowls with a drizzle more olive oil and a grating of parmesan.