Pasta E Fagioli is an Italian soup which is the Italian translation which when translated it loose original pronunciation but its pronunciation is ‘pah-sta eh fah-JOH-lee’ and has been a favorite in kitchens all through the generations. Literally meaning ‘pasta and beans’, it is a delicious hearty dish made of a few basic elements which, when combined, make simple yet healthy food. This hearty and flavorful dish known as Pasta E Fagioli grew in popularity, as well as the love for it, throughout the years due to its association with Italy’s heritage and warm country ambiance.
The Heart of Italian Comfort Food
Pasta E Fagioli just defined the essence of Italian comfort food in one dish. The recipe began as a peasant food and began cooking beans and pasta, which the peasants of Italian could easily access and afford. It changed with time, and at present, it is possible to find a great number of modifications in various districts of Italy, and each of them made its contribution to the creation of this recipe.
Ingredients That Make Pasta E Fagioli Special
In Pasta E Fagioli, though, one could never go wrong about focusing on the beans and pasta, as they are the main stars of this creation. A popular choice is Cannellini beans and red kidney beans which give a creamy taste and consistency to the dish. Formerly, small pasta such as ditalini served the purpose well since they are small in size and cook very fast and mix well with the beans.
The broth is another very important component and it is prepared with vegetable or chicken stock for enhancing the taste of the soup. Tomatoes that have been chopped add a slight sourness and sweetness in addition to the nutty taste of the beans and the thick texture presented by pasta.
It natural components include aromatic vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery which help in preparing the ‘soffrito’ – the lower vegetables, sautéed in olive oil to give the soup its rich taste. Questions have been asked over the years, but when it comes to the seasoning of the Pasta E Fagioli, minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper complete the entire mix of perfection for each spoonful.
Customizing Your Pasta E Fagioli
It is again possible to enjoy the versatility of Pasta E Fagioli, which is one of the most exciting things in the mixture. The ingredients used in this recipe are very flexible and this steak recipe can be easily customized to preferred levels of spiciness or to cater to certain restrictions like gluten-free diets. If one likes adding temperature to the pasta then adding a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick.
To make an example, using spinach or kale in addition to regular vegetables provides not only more vitamins and minerals but also makes the dish look more attractive giving it a green color. Lemon juice is also very suitable for this meal and by adding it before serving the dish the food will be much more tastier.
Cooking Methods and Serving Suggestions
Pasta E Fagioli is prepared in a pot and there are many different ways to prepare it, but combining all the ingredients and cooking on the stovetop results in a delicious soup with a dense base. One is to directly boil the pasta in the soup and integrate it as it swirls around the soup, also thickening the soup. This is the right way of making sure that every bite or spoonful tastes the soup.
However, any enhancements are useful when serving Pasta E Fagioli and it is better to use them. A teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese combined with the grated beef enhances the salty taste; fresh parsley gives the meat an even fresher taste. In the process of preparing this soup, most people recommend serving it with bread, which is crusty and when soaked in the soup, it is really delightful.
Nutritional Benefits of Pasta E Fagioli
Other than making it taste delicious, Pasta E Fagioli is a healthy dish to make since the ingredients used are packed with nutrients. Beans, for instance, should be encouraged as they are rich in protein as well as fiber, thus enhancing digestion while at the same time ensuring that one sustains energy in the process. The vegetables provide the necessary vitamins and minerals, furthermore, pasta increases the general c ballo of the dish.
Try More Recipe:- Healthy Minestrone Soup Recipe: Packed with Vegetables and Beans
Quick and Healthy Pasta E Fagioli Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Description
Pasta E Fagioli is really an Italian soup recipe that is great for most of the seasons but is especially good for the cold months. I found it was a very healthy dish because it included pasta with beans in tomato sauce. They said it is easy to prepare and that one can add their preferred toppings to the mixture.
Ingredients
Optional Ingredients:
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice the onion, carrots, and celery.
- Mince the garlic.
- Rinse and drain the beans.
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Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice.
- Add the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) to the pot.
- Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Add the Beans and Pasta:
- Once boiling, add the cannellini beans and red kidney beans.
- Stir in the ditalini pasta.
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Cook the Pasta:
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
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Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- If using, stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Ladle the Pasta E Fagioli into bowls.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread on the side.
- Enjoy your comforting bowl of Pasta E Fagioli!
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 310kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Cholesterol 3mg1%
- Sodium 1790mg75%
- Potassium 920mg27%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 14g29%
- Vitamin C 18 mg
- Calcium 91 mg
- Iron 6 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
- Crusty bread for serving
