Lidia’s Hearty and Flavorful Pasta Fagioli: A Must-Try Recipe for Italian Food Lovers!

Introduction

If you’re a fan of Italian comfort food, then Lidia Bastianich’s pasta fagioli recipe is a must-try. This hearty and flavorful dish combines pasta and beans in a rich broth, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is both approachable and delicious. Let’s dive into the ingredients and directions for creating this classic Italian dish.

Ingredients

Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• 1 cup dried cannellini beans
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup ditalini or other small pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create Lidia’s pasta fagioli:

1. Rinse the cannellini beans under cold water and place them in a large pot. Cover with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
2. In a separate pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and broth to the pot with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
4. Once the cannellini beans are tender, drain them and add them to the pot with the broth and vegetables. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions.
6. Season the pasta fagioli with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of bean in this recipe?

A: While cannellini beans are traditional in pasta fagioli, you can certainly experiment with other types of beans such as kidney beans or navy beans to suit your taste preferences.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

A: Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make a delicious vegetarian or vegan version of pasta fagioli.

Q: How can I store leftover pasta fagioli?

A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth as needed to bring it back to your desired consistency.