Italian Pasta Chickpea Soup Recipes

ITALIAN CHICKPEA SOUP

Steps:

• In a medium pot add olive oil, garlic, carrots, celery, salt, basil, oregano, thyme, hot pepper flakes, tomato puree, water and chick peas. Cook over medium heat till boiling, stirring till all ingredients are combined, once boiling reduce heat and continue cooking, stirring occasionally.
• Cook for approximately 50 to 60 minutes (don't be scared to taste, you must taste, you have to taste for salt and doneness). Once the beans are tender, add another cup of water (depending how soupy you like it you may want to add more water) bring to a boil and immediately add the small pasta (this is where you must taste again for salt) again stirring occasionally (so pasta doesn't stick to the bottom) and cook till al dente (about 5 minutes for small pasta).
• When done, turn off heat, serve immediately in soup bowls, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

PASTA E CECI (ITALIAN PASTA AND CHICKPEA STEW)

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not taking on any color, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic, rosemary and red-pepper flakes, and cook 1 minute more. Season well with salt and pepper.
• Stir in the tomatoes and the chickpeas, breaking up the tomatoes with the back of a spoon or spatula and smashing about 1/2 cup of the beans.
• Add 3 cups water and bring to a boil over high. Add the pasta and simmer, stirring often to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan, until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes. The water will mostly be absorbed by the pasta, but if you prefer it brothier, you can add 1/2 to 1 cup water and simmer until warmed through, 1 minute more. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Add the escarole and stir until wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly. Ladle into bowls and top with grated cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.