Pasta E Fagioli Grandma Emilias Soulwarming Classic
- Recipe Introduction
- What Is Pasta Fagioli, Anyway?
- Why This Pasta e Fagioli Recipe?
- Easy Does It: Prep and Cook Times
- Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear for Pasta Fagioli
- Cooking Up a Classic: Pasta Fagioli Like Grandma Emilia Used to Make
- Recipe Notes for Grandma Emilia's Pasta Fagioli
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave something utterly comforting? This pasta fagioli recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s rustic, hearty, and packed with amazing Italian flavors.
Brief Overview
Pasta e fagioli is a classic Italian soup, a staple in Italian families for generations. Our version is easy, taking about an hour, and yields 6 generous servings.
This italian soup recipe is perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
This pasta and beans soup is full of fiber. It's a great vegetarian pasta e fagioli option. Seriously, you'll love this comfort food recipe on a cold night.
What Is Pasta Fagioli, Anyway?
Honestly, I used to wonder that myself. You know, I first tried pasta fagioli at a tiny Italian place in Little Italy.
It blew my mind! This pasta fazool , as they call it in some spots, is a celebration of simple ingredients.
It is a hearty blend of pasta and beans in a flavorful tomato broth. People often have different takes on pasta e fagioli recipe , just like families have their variations of a great dish.
Why This Pasta e Fagioli Recipe?
Let me tell you about Grandma Emilia. She was my Italian neighbor growing up, and this recipe is inspired by her cannellini bean soup .
It's so simple. I swear, it is the best easy soup recipe you’ll ever try! I tweaked it slightly, and it is now a masterpiece, in my humble opinion.
Easy Does It: Prep and Cook Times
Alright, let’s talk time. Prep is a breeze about 20 minutes. We are just chopping veggies. Cook time? Just 45 minutes! You can have this winter soup recipe on the table in just over an hour.
I'm using ditalini pasta recipes for the pasta and beans.
Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear for Pasta Fagioli
Okay, so you wanna whip up some legit pasta fagioli ? Ace! Honestly, it’s one of my all-time fave italian soup recipes .
It’s proper comfort food recipes , especially on a chilly night. Plus it's an easy soup recipes . Here's what you'll need to get started.
Don’t stress, it’s all pretty straightforward.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Go for extra virgin if you've got it.
- Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped. About 1 cup. Yellow or white, your shout.
- Carrots: 2 medium , finely chopped. Roughly 1 cup.
- Celery: 2 stalks , finely chopped. Aim for about 1 cup too.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, yeah?
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon . Adds that classic Italian flavour.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a bit of zing .
- Vegetable Broth: 6 cups (1.4 L). Good broth = good soup. Chicken broth works great too for a richer flavour.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can (411g), undrained. Trust me on this.
- Cannellini Beans: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g), rinsed and drained. These are the stars of the show when it comes to cannellini bean soup .
- Ditalini Pasta: 1/2 cup (50g). Small pasta is key for ditalini pasta recipes ! Elbow macaroni will do in a pinch.
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Fresh is ideal for garnish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for serving (optional).
Seasoning Secrets
We want this pasta fazool bursting with flavour!
- Oregano + Garlic + Red Pepper Flakes: This combo is pure Italian magic.
- Salt and Pepper: Don't be shy! Season to your taste. Taste it!
- Parmesan Rind: Seriously, if you've got one hanging about in the fridge, chuck it in while the soup simmers. Adds a crazy depth.
- Spice it Up!: Want it vegetarian pasta e fagioli but meatier? Add a splash of balsamic at the end
Essential Equipment
Okay, so you don't need a fancy kitchen to make this work.
- Dutch Oven or Large Pot: A heavy bottomed pot is perfect.
- Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, but important!
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring like a proper Nonna.
- Ladle: For serving up your masterpiece.
That's it! This pasta and beans soup is easier than you think. Grab your stuff and let's make some magic happen! This is the best of winter soup recipes .
Cooking Up a Classic: Pasta Fagioli Like Grandma Emilia Used to Make
Oh my gosh, you guys, are you ready for some serious comfort food? We're talking Pasta Fagioli , or as some folks affectionately call it, pasta fazool ! It's basically a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want something easy and yummy.
Think of it as one of the best italian soup recipes .
Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place On!
First things first, let's get organized. This is the essential mise en place . Chop 1 medium onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks nice and small.
Mince 2 cloves of garlic . Honestly, getting this done first will save you a ton of time later. Safety first! Watch those fingers when you're chopping!
step-by-step to Pasta e Fagioli recipe Glory
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5- 7 minutes , until soft. Add garlic, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano , and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth and 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes . Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in 1 (15 ounce) can of rinsed cannellini beans and ½ cup of ditalini pasta . Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15- 20 minutes , until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Check your pasta. It should be al dente , not mushy.
Pro Tips for comfort food recipes
Want to take your cannellini bean soup to the next level? Try pureeing about 1 cup of the cooked beans with a little broth before adding them back to the pot.
This makes it super creamy. Common mistake alert: overcooking the pasta! Keep an eye on it. This vegetarian pasta e fagioli is even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead.
There you have it! A bowl of pasta and beans that's sure to warm you from the inside out. Perfect for those long winter soup recipes !
Recipe Notes for Grandma Emilia's Pasta Fagioli
This pasta e fagioli recipe is more than just a cannellini bean soup . It's like a warm hug in a bowl.
My grandma Emilia, bless her heart, swore by this recipe! This comfort food recipe is super easy to make.
Serving Up Some Love: Plating & Pairings
Presentation matters, you know? A simple bowl does the trick. Garnish with fresh parsley. A sprinkle of Parmesan if you're feeling fancy.
Think about serving your pasta fagioli with crusty bread for dunking. Honestly, who can resist a bit of garlic bread on the side? A light salad cuts through the richness, too.
It is a simple italian soup recipes !
Storing the Goodness: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This easy soup recipes tastes even better the next day. Just pop it in the fridge.
It will keep for about 3-4 days . For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Just let it cool, then portion into freezer bags or containers.
It will last up to 3 months . Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth if it seems too thick.
Mixing it Up: Variations & Swaps
Want to make it your own? Go for it! Try adding some spicy sausage for a meaty kick. Keep it vegan! Make sure to use vegetable broth.
Want to add some greens? Stir in spinach or kale at the end. Don't have ditalini? Elbow macaroni works just fine.
No cannellini beans? Great Northern beans are a great substitute.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty: Health Benefits
This pasta and beans soup is packed with goodness. We're talking about fiber, protein, and vitamins. Each serving has around 250 calories .
It has about 12g of protein . There's about 6g of fat . The carbs comes to 40g , and there is 8g of fiber .
Sodium is around 600mg . (Remember, this is an estimate!) Beans are great for your heart! This winter soup recipes is a winner for your body and soul.
So, there you have it. Pasta fazool perfection! It's easy, adaptable, and oh-so-satisfying. Get cooking and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is pasta fagioli, anyway? Is it just posh beans on toast?
Pasta fagioli, pronounced "pah-stah fah-jolee," is a hearty Italian soup that translates to "pasta and beans." Think of it as Italy's answer to a comforting bowl of chili, but with pasta instead of just beans.
It’s a rustic, flavorful dish that’s been warming hearts and bellies for generations, far more exciting than your average beans on toast!
My pasta fagioli is too watery! How do I thicken it up without resorting to cornstarch?
Nobody wants a wishy washy soup! To thicken your pasta fagioli naturally, try pureeing about a cup of the cooked beans before adding them back to the pot. You could also simmer the soup uncovered for a bit longer, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate.
Adding a parmesan rind while simmering (and removing before serving) also helps add body and flavour.
Can I make pasta fagioli ahead of time, like on a Sunday for meal prep?
Absolutely! Pasta fagioli is actually one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld together. Just be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a little extra broth when you reheat it.
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of pasta fagioli that still packs a flavour punch?
You bet! The recipe is naturally vegetarian if you use vegetable broth. To ensure it's vegan, just double check that your broth is indeed plant based. For an extra boost of flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end or some smoked paprika for a depth that will rival even the meat filled versions.
You could also use a Parmesan style vegan cheese.
I'm trying to watch my weight. Is pasta fagioli actually healthy, or is it just comfort food gone wild?
Pasta fagioli can be a healthy and filling meal. It's packed with fiber from the beans and vegetables, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. To keep the calories in check, use whole wheat pasta, go easy on the olive oil, and load up on the veggies.
It's far more nutritious than ordering a takeaway, that's for sure!
What kind of pasta works best in pasta fagioli? I've only got spaghetti in the cupboard!
While ditalini is the classic choice, any small pasta shape will work in pasta fagioli. Elbow macaroni, small shells, or even broken spaghetti (like nonna used to do!) are all great substitutes. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different pasta shapes cook at different rates.
Keep an eye on it to avoid a mushy soup nobody wants that!
Pasta E Fagioli Grandma Emilias Soulwarming Clas
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 8g |
