A classic Italian comfort food that's perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Directions for: "16 Bean" Pasta e Fagioli
Ingredients
1 bag 16 Bean Soup Mix
2 Tbsp good olive oil, plus extra for serving
6 oz pancetta, 1/4" - diced
1 large onion, chopped
1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup dry red wine
4 - 6 cups good chicken stock, preferably homemade
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup miniature pasta, such as ditalini or tubettini
cup freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1 Tbsp good red wine vinegar
Julienned fresh basil leaves, for serving
Directions
1. The day before you plan to make the soup, place the bean mix in a large bowl, add cold water to cover by 2 inches, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, drain the beans, rinse under cold running water, and drain again. Place the beans in a large pot with 8 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam that rises to the top. The beans should be very tender and the skin will peel away when you blow on a bean.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a medium (10-inch) stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the pancetta and onion and saute over medium to medium-high heat for 12 to 18 minutes, until browned. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for one minute. Add the tomatoes, wine, 4 cups of the chicken stock, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper and turn off the heat.
3. Drain the beans and add two-thirds of them to the soup. Pass the remaining beans through a food mill, discarding the skins. Stir the bean puree and the pasta into the soup, bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. Add up to 2 more cups chicken stock if the soup is too thick. Stir in the Parmesan and the vinegar. Ladle the soup into large shallow bowls and add a swirl of olive oil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and some basil. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.
Source and Credits
"Cooking for Jeffrey" by Ina Garten Clarkson Potter 2016. Provided courtesy of Ina Garten. All rights reserved.
See more: Soup, Pasta, Beans, Italian, Legumes