Pasta e Fagioli

The very first time I tried Pasta e Fagioli {literally "pasta & beans"} was on a freezing cold winter day while living in Padova. Our Italian teacher took us out one night to a hidden gem -- a tiny, cozy, warm trattoria tucked away on a cobblestone side street. I still remember being all bundled up, shivering, and then trying out this hearty soup and falling in love, partly because it was so warm and comforting with a glass of red wine, and partly because it was absolutely delicious.

This soup is made differently throughout Italy, but no matter the variation, it was always thick and hearty. I learned to eat it drizzled in EVOO, topped in parm or pecorino, and lapped up with a thick piece of bread. I have a traditional recipe written down in one of my journals from that year... which is somewhere in your attic, Mom & Dad! So the one I cooked today is loosely based on what I remember it tasting like. I also added in kale for some greens and a fresh sprig of rosemary for more flavor.

Pasta e Fagioli
{serves 4-6}

1 yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 bunch fresh kale, chopped
1 large sprig of fresh rosemary
EVOO
2 cans cannellini beans
1 can kidney beans
1 quart organic, low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
4 slices of pancetta or bacon, chopped
1/2 C red wine 
1 small can tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
1-2 cups dry ditalini pasta
salt & freshly ground black pepper

In a large stockpot over medium heat, cover the bottom in olive oil and add in the onion, garlic and pancetta or bacon. Stir around for a couple of minutes until they become lightly browned. Add in the carrots and sprinkle in salt & pepper. Add in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, broth, red wine, and stir together. Raise heat and bring to a boil. Add in the rosemary sprig, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the ditalini pasta al dente in well-salted boiling water. Drain.

Add the pasta to the soup, as well as the kale. Taste; add more salt and pepper as needed. Eat hot with shaved pecorino or parm and a drizzle of EVOO. If you're not ready to eat, let the soup simmer for as long as you'd like! I left mine for a few hours and it was even better.  Happy Thanksgiving week!