Italian-Style Spaghetti and Bean Soup
Introduction
Pasta fazool, also known as pasta e fagioli, is a traditional Italian dish that has gained popularity around the world. This hearty and delicious soup combines pasta and beans in a flavorful tomato-based broth. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days and can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. In this blog post, we’ll share a classic pasta fazool recipe that you can easily recreate at home.
Ingredients
To make a delicious pasta fazool, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, elbows, or small shells)
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Follow these simple steps to prepare pasta fazool:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
Add diced carrots and celery to the pot, and continue cooking until they become slightly tender.
Add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices to the pot, followed by the cannellini beans. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
After the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, add the cooked pasta to the pot and stir well. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, ensuring the pasta is heated through.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the soup appears too thick, you can add more broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Serve the pasta fazool hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy!
FAQ
Q: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While small pasta varieties like ditalini or elbows are traditional, you can experiment with different shapes and sizes according to your preference.
Q: Can I use different types of beans?
A: Yes, you can use other varieties of beans like kidney beans or navy beans instead of cannellini beans. It may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Q: Can I make pasta fazool ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make pasta fazool ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. However, keep in mind that the pasta may continue to absorb the liquid, so you may need to add more broth or water before reheating.
Q: Can I freeze pasta fazool?
A: Pasta fazool freezes well. Transfer the soup to airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop before serving.
Q: What other ingredients can I add to customize my pasta fazool?
A: While the classic pasta fazool recipe includes pasta, beans, and a tomato-based broth, you can add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale to incorporate more flavors and nutrients. Additionally, you can include cooked sausage or ground beef for a heartier version.
Enjoy preparing this delicious pasta fazool recipe at home and savor the flavors of Italy in every bite.
