Pasta Fazool Dean Martin Recipe: A Delicious Italian Classic

Introduction

Pasta fazool, or pasta e fagioli, is a beloved Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like pasta, beans, and flavorful herbs, it’s no wonder this dish has stood the test of time. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of pasta fazool and provide a delectable recipe inspired by the legendary Dean Martin.

Ingredients

To prepare Dean Martin’s pasta fazool, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Stir in the cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, broth, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
5. While the soup simmers, in a separate pot, cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the soup and stir to combine. Let the pasta fazool simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the pasta fazool hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

FAQ

Q: Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can customize the recipe with your favorite beans. While cannellini beans are traditional, you can also use kidney beans, navy beans, or a combination of beans for added texture and flavor.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

A: Absolutely! To make the dish vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, ensure that the pasta you use does not contain eggs, and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative for serving.

Q: What can I serve with pasta fazool?

A: Pasta fazool is often hearty enough to be a meal on its own, especially when accompanied by a side of crusty bread. A fresh green salad or garlic bread are also excellent choices to round out the meal.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, pasta fazool can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Store the soup and pasta separately to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy, and combine them when reheating.

Q: What is the origin of the name “pasta fazool”?

A: The name “pasta fazool” is the Neapolitan pronunciation of the dish’s Italian name, “pasta e fagioli,” which simply translates to “pasta and beans.” The name is derived from the two primary ingredients in the dish.