Southern Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipes

PASTA FAGIOLI

Steps:

• Transfer the onion, carrots and celery to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until chopped fine. Set aside.
• In a large dutch oven heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped garlic. Sweat the garlic until fragrant and translucent, but don't brown it.
• Increase the heat to medium high and add the pancetta. Cook for one minute, stirring occasionally, then add the Italian sausage and cook, stirring occasionally until the sausage has browned.
• Add the onion, carrot, celery mixture and sauté until the vegetables are tender.
• Add the tomatoes, can of cannellini beans (including the liquid) and the chicken stock. Stir to combine. Add the oregano, bay leaves, crushed red pepper and parmesan cheese rind (if using). Stir, then cover with a tight fitting lid, bring the pot to a low simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
• While the soup is simmering, cook the orzo pasta to al dente, according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed according to your tastes.

AUTHENTIC PASTA E FAGIOLI

Steps:

• Drain ONE can of beans, and set aside.
• In a large soup pot, heat olive oil. Add onion and pancetta and saute until onions are golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and rosemary and saute about 4 additional minutes.
• Transfer sauteed ingredients to a blender or food processor and add the two other cans of beans (liquid included). Puree until smooth.
• Add the pureed mixture back into the pot, along with the drained beans, the chicken and beef broth, salt, and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat.
• Taste, and add more salt if necessary.
• Serve, topped with red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese, if you like.

PASTA E FAGIOLI

Steps:

• Heat olive oil over medium high in a 6 quart Dutch oven or large soup pot. Add Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until no pink remains. Remove to a platter using a slotted spoon. Reserve 3 Tbsp drippings in pot.
• To the drippings, add carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Let vegetables simmer over medium heat until tender and beginning to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add in tomato sauce, vegetable broth, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, Italian sausage, ground beef, vinegar, bay leaves, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove bay leaves and add cooked ditalini pasta. Mix well and simmer on low for 10 minutes.
• Serve garnished with parsley and fresh parmesan cheese.

SOUTHERN ITALIAN PASTA FAGIOLI

Steps:

• In large pan, saute vegetables in oil for approx 10 minutes, until tender. Stir in broth, tomatoes, basil and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add Ditalini and beans (do not drain). Simmer an additional 15-20 minutes. Serve with parmesan cheese on top.