Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli, often referred to as Pasta Fazool, is a traditional Italian soup that combines pasta and beans in a flavorful broth. This hearty dish is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing for various adaptations based on regional preferences and available ingredients. Below is a comprehensive recipe for making Pasta e Fagioli, along with insights into its variations and tips for enhancing the dish.

Ingredients

  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Carrots: 2 medium, diced
  • Celery: 2 stalks, diced
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can
  • Cannellini Beans: 2 (15-ounce) cans, rinsed and drained
  • Vegetable Broth: 4–5 cups (low sodium)
  • Fresh Oregano: 1 tablespoon, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Fresh Thyme: 1 tablespoon, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Bay Leaf: 1
  • Ditalini Pasta: 1 cup (or other small pasta)
  • Kale or Spinach: 2 cups, chopped (optional)
  • Nutritional Yeast: ¼ cup (for creaminess and flavor)
  • Salt and Pepper: to taste
  • Red Pepper Flakes: to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables:
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  1. Add Tomato Products:
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about a minute to enhance its flavor.
  • Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), cannellini beans, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf.
  1. Simmer the Soup:
  • Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  1. Cook the Pasta:
  • While the soup simmers, cook the ditalini pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  1. Blend for Creaminess:
  • Remove a portion of the soup (about 1–2 cups) and blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
  • Return blended soup to the pot and stir in nutritional yeast for added creaminess.
  1. Combine and Serve:
  • Stir in the cooked pasta and chopped kale or spinach if using. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  • Serve hot with a sprinkle of additional nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese on top.

Variations of Pasta e Fagioli from Different Italian Regions

Pasta e Fagioli varies widely across Italy:

  • Neapolitan Style: Often includes pancetta or sausage for added flavor.
  • Bolognese Version: Traditionally made with borlotti beans and egg pasta like maltagliati.
  • Venetian Style: Uses local Lamon beans and may include more vegetables.
  • Roman Version (Pasta e Ceci): Substitutes chickpeas instead of beans.

Making Pasta e Fagioli Creamier Without Dairy

To achieve a creamy texture without dairy:

  1. Blend Beans: Blend a portion of cooked beans with broth to create a creamy base.
  2. Use Nutritional Yeast: This adds a cheesy flavor while thickening the soup.
  3. Incorporate Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower: Adding these can enhance creaminess without dairy.

Vegan Parmesan Cheese Options

For a delicious vegan Parmesan cheese alternative:

  • Nutritional Yeast: Sprinkle it directly over the dish for a cheesy flavor.
  • Store-Bought Vegan Parmesan: Brands like Violife or Follow Your Heart offer great options.
  • Homemade Vegan Parmesan: Blend equal parts of cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt until fine.

Alternative Pasta Shapes

You can use various pasta shapes in Pasta e Fagioli:

  • Short Pasta Shapes: Ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are traditional choices.
  • Longer Shapes: Broken spaghetti or fettuccine can also work if preferred.

Making Pasta e Fagioli Spicy

To add some heat to your Pasta e Fagioli:

  1. Red Pepper Flakes: Add them during cooking to infuse heat throughout the dish.
  2. Hot Sauce: Drizzle in your favorite hot sauce before serving.
  3. Spicy Sausage Alternatives: Use vegan spicy sausage crumbles for added flavor.

This recipe for Pasta e Fagioli is not only delicious but also customizable to suit your preferences! Enjoy this hearty soup as a comforting meal any time of year.

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