DOM'S PASTA E FAGIOLI

prep time:: 30 min
total time:: null approx. 3 hours

Makes 1 large pot

Translated, it means “pasta and beans”. This “cucina povera” (poor man’s cooking) has developed into one of the most popular soups in history! The recipe may seem a bit lengthy...but it’s easy and well worth the effort!

ingredients

1 lb package of dried Cannellini or Great Northern white beans (pour into a bowl and inspect for stones and bad beans, before cooking)
5-6 C recovered bean water (saved after cooking beans)
1 lb ditalini pasta
1 C chopped pancetta (or Italian sausage or chunks of cooked pork)
2 lg cans diced Italian tomatoes
1 can stewed tomatoes
1/4 C extra virgin olive oil
4 - 6 cloves diced garlic
2 tsp chicken bouillion (powder or paste)
1 C grated Parmesan / Romano cheese
2 tbsp minced Italian parsley
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 sprig rosemary
VEGETABLES:
1 med onion, chopped
1/2 C sliced carrots
1/2 C sliced mushrooms
1/2 C chopped celery
OPTIONAL: 1 C red wine

directions

1
Soak inspected beans in water overnight, in refrigerator, changing water once. Discard soaking water. In a large pot or Dutch oven, add soaked beans to 6 C fresh cold water and cook on med heat for approx. 1 1/2 hrs, or until softened.
2
WHILE BEANS ARE COOKING: In a large pan, Saute diced garlic and onion in olive oil until garlic begins to brown and onions begin to appear translucent. Add pancetta (or sausage or pork) and cook for another few minutes (5 min.)
3
Once beans are cooked, add contents of pan to pot containing beans and water, then add tomatoes, seasoning, and remainder of ingredients (and wine, if you are so inclined). Simmer on med heat for approx. 1 hr. - 1 1/2 hrs. Cover and remove from heat. Soup will thicken from starch in macaroni and beans. (Add additional water, if necessary, to arrive at desired thickness)
4
SERVE: Ladle into lg soup bowls & generously sprinkle top of soup with grated cheese. Serve with Italian bread and a green salad.

notes

This recipe (as much as I can recollect) is fairly accurate as given to me by my Italian friend, Dom! I embellished it with vegetables and wine (of course!) Mangia e bevi! PK

Source: Paul Katrenak