Bushra Griffith
Pasta e fagioli, sometimes shortened to pasta fagioli, is a classic Italian soup made with pasta and beans. It is a quintessential Italian comfort food. The soup is usually topped with grated Parmesan cheese, but some recipes call for the addition of cheese rinds during the cooking process. The final consistency of the soup is a matter of personal preference, and it can be made more soup-like by adding water or broth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Comforting Italian-American soup, stew, or pasta dish |
| Main Ingredients | Pasta, Beans, Tomato, Aromatics (Onion, Garlic, Fennel, Carrot, Celery), Meat (Pancetta, Sausage), Cheese |
| Cheese Options | Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, Parmesan |
| Other Toppings | Crusty Bread, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red Pepper Flakes, Black Pepper, Parsley, Hot Sauce |
| Consistency | Creamy, Hearty, Soup-like or Thicker |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes or less |
| Servings | 2-4 |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan cheese is a popular topping for pasta fagioli
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, or Parmesan, is a key ingredient in many pasta fagioli recipes. It is often added in the form of grated cheese or cheese rinds, which are known to add great flavour to the soup. For those who prefer a vegetarian version of the dish, Parmigiano Reggiano rind can be used to replace the savoury flavour of pancetta.
While some recipes call for grated Parmesan cheese to be stirred into the soup before serving, others suggest offering it on the side. This allows individuals to adjust the amount of cheese in their dish according to their preference. In addition to Parmesan cheese, pasta fagioli is often served with extra toppings such as hot red pepper flakes, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
The versatility of pasta fagioli is reflected in the variety of ingredients that can be used. For a vegetarian option, the pancetta can be omitted, and vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery, and garlic can be added to create a flavourful base. Some recipes also include sausage, with suggestions of sweet Italian sausage or ground Italian sausage.
Pasta fagioli is a comforting and delicious dish that can be customised to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. With its combination of pasta, beans, and cheese, it is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
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Parmigiano Reggiano cheese rinds are also used
Pasta fagioli is a hearty, creamy, and flavourful soup that is often made with cannellini beans, ditalini pasta, pancetta, garlic, and tomato. It is topped with Parmigiano Reggiano and extra virgin olive oil. The soup is typically served with crusty bread, and some recipes suggest offering grated cheese, hot red pepper flakes, or black pepper on the side.
The soup is easy to make and can be adapted to personal preferences. For example, you can use larger pasta shapes, such as penne, or smaller shapes like ditalini, small shells, farfalline, elbows, or even broken spaghetti. You can also make it vegetarian by skipping the pancetta or sausage. Additionally, if you don't want to use rosemary, you can omit it or substitute it with another herb.
Pasta fagioli can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, it's important to note that the pasta and beans will continue to absorb the broth, resulting in softer textures and thicker soup over time. To maintain the desired consistency, some people recommend cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual servings.
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Some recipes suggest adding cheese before serving
Some recipes suggest sprinkling cheese on top of pasta fagioli before serving. This can be done to taste, and the cheese can be grated or sprinkled. Parmigiano Reggiano is a popular choice, but Pecorino can be used instead, although it should be noted that Pecorino is saltier. Parmesan cheese is also a popular choice.
Some recipes suggest adding a Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan rind while the soup simmers to bring in a deep, umami flavour. This is an alternative to adding grated cheese before serving. If you don't have a rind, you can add grated cheese to the soup, or simply omit it.
Pasta fagioli is a classic Italian soup, sometimes called pasta fazool, made with pasta and beans. It is a comforting, delicious, and hearty meal, often served with crusty bread. The soup is usually made with cannellini beans, ditalini pasta, pancetta, garlic, and tomato. It can be made vegetarian by skipping the pancetta.
The soup is typically seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes hot red pepper flakes. It can be made creamier by using an immersion blender, or by blending a portion of the soup and stirring it back in. This lends a satisfying texture and depth of flavour.
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Cheese is added to pasta fagioli after combining beans and pasta
Pasta fagioli, or "pasta and beans" in Italian, is a classic Italian soup. It is a comforting and delicious dish, perfect for chilly nights. The soup is typically made with cannellini beans, ditalini pasta, tomato, pancetta, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
While there are many variations of the recipe, the process typically involves sautéing vegetables such as onions, carrots, and garlic in olive oil. Then, you can add the tomatoes, beans, broth, and Parmesan rind (if using) and let the flavours meld. After combining the beans and pasta, you can add the cheese. Stir in grated cheese until the pasta is tender, and serve topped with additional grated cheese. You can also offer grated cheese on the side, allowing each person to adjust the cheesiness of their bowl to their preference.
The type of cheese used can vary. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese rinds add great flavour to soups, but if you don't have any, you can simply add grated Parmigiano Reggiano. You can also use Pecorino instead, but as it is saltier, be mindful when adding additional salt. Another option is to use a Parmesan cheese; chop the rind off a block of Parmesan and add it to the soup.
Pasta fagioli is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a cosy dinner. It can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge for a few days, although the pasta and beans will continue to absorb the broth, so it may become thicker over time.
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Pasta fagioli can be served with focaccia and Italian salad
Pasta fagioli, sometimes shortened to pasta fazool, is a classic Italian soup made with pasta and beans. It is a quintessential Italian comfort food. The name "pasta fagioli" translates to "pasta and beans" in Italian. This hearty soup is loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta, and is perfect for a chilly night.
Pasta fagioli is typically made with cannellini beans, ditalini pasta, tomato, pancetta, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. However, there are many variations of the dish, and it can be made vegetarian by omitting the pancetta and adding a Parmigiano Reggiano rind while the soup simmers to bring in that deep, umami flavor.
The final consistency of pasta fagioli is a personal preference. If you like your soup on the thicker side, you can add less water or broth. If you prefer a soupier consistency, simply add more liquid. The soup can also be blended to create a creamier texture.
To elevate your pasta fagioli experience, don't forget to add some grated cheese on top! Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino cheese will add a burst of flavor to your dish. You can also offer grated cheese on the side, along with hot red pepper flakes or black pepper, allowing your guests to customize their bowls.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmigiano Reggiano is the most popular choice, but you can also use Pecorino or Parmesan.
This is up to your personal preference. You can add as much or as little as you like.
You can add cheese while cooking the dish to add extra flavour, or sprinkle it on top when serving.
