Pasta e fagioli (pasta & beans)

8 Servings

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
1 can Great Northern beans; drain reserve liquid (16 oz)* 3 tbsp. olive oil
3 Carrots; peeled and diced
2 Stalks celery; sliced
1 large Onion; chipped 3 garlic cloves; minced
1 teaspoon Dried oregano leaves
½ teaspoon Dried basil
1 Bay leaf
Salt and pepper 7 fresh tomatoes; cut into large pieces <<OR>>
1 can Tomatoes; cut into large pieces, reserve liquids (28 oz) 8 oz. shell macaroni
Parmesan cheese; grated

Directions

Saute' the carrots, celery, onions and garlic in hot olive oil in a large skillet. Add the oregano, basil, ½ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp.

pepper and the bay leaf. Cover and cook over low heat about ½ hour.

Add half the tomatoes, cover and cook 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the macari in boiling salted water until just barely tender. Combine the beans, cooked vegetables and macaroni in a large pot. Add water to reserved bean and tomato liquids to equal 1 cup; add to pot with remaining tomatoes. Simmer another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more salt and pepper if necessary. Remove bay leaf before serving with the Parmesan cheese. Serves 6-8.

*This would equal approximately ¾ cup dried beans; soak and cook according to package directions. Note: Navy or pea beans work equally well.

Related recipes