Ingredients

How to make it

  • Clean and rinse the beans.
  • Soak in cold water overnight.
  • Heat 4 fl oz olive oil in a heavy saucepan over moderate heat.
  • Add the pancetta and cook, stirring from time to time, until crisp.
  • Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pot.
  • Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, sage, rosemary, and parsley to the pot.
  • Sweat in the reserved fat just until the vegetables start to become tender.
  • Drain the beans and add them to the pot.
  • At the same time, add the water.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the beans are almost tender, about 45 minutes.
  • Add the tomato paste.
  • Continue to simmer until the beans are very tender.
  • Remove about half of the soup and pass it through a food mill to purée it.
  • Return it to the pot with the rest of the soup.
  • Season to taste with salt.
  • At this point the soup should be thick but still liquid enough to cook the pasta when it is added.
  • If necessary, add a little more water.
  • Add the pasta and simmer until it is tender.
  • Stir in the reserved pancetta.
  • Serve each portion topped with 1 teaspoon cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Note:
  • If cranberry beans are not available, use white kidney beans.

Reviews & Comments 17

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    " It was excellent "
    linebb956 ate it and said...
    Made this today... had to turn on the air real low as it is so HOT here... But... it was WONDERFUL! Thanks... high 5 to ya!
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    " It was excellent "
    pleclare ate it and said...
    Bravo Elaine! Wonderful!
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    " It was excellent "
    lilliancooks ate it and said...
    This is an absolutely perfect Pasta Fagioli recipe!!! I've been looking for the best one and I think I've found it! I made some changes because of personal preference in beans and spices, but I'm sure its great if using ingredients as written. I used cannellini beans instead of cranberry beans. I used oregano instead of sage and I used a bay leaf instead of rosemary. These were all subs that Chef Elaine suggested...and she was right! It didn't say when to add the parsley so I just sprinkled it on-top just before serving. I used the exact measurements of ingredients as specified in the recipe...I got out my food scale for this! I love the flavor of the crunchy, fried pancetta that you get in every spoonful! I think I'll be serving this, as one of the courses, for my Easter dinner! Can't wait to WOW my guests with this one! Thanks Chef Elaine!:)
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    chef_irish ate it and said...
    I Know I Would Love This One...Another Great One-Elaine...High 5
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  • theoldrecluse 15 years ago
    CHEF Elaine I tried this too and it came out real good.
    I know you're not posting recipes here any more but if you get a chance, email me?

    Recluse
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  • theoldrecluse 15 years ago
    DOWNRATED BY MOUNTAIN MAMA in one of her usual fits of jealousy.

    Recluse
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  • newmommy623 15 years ago
    Now this is an all time fav. Slightly different from my traditional family recipe but different is always a good answer. Thanks a lot!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    dagnabbit ate it and said...
    don't let Candy near this. She'll eat the whole damn pot! (Just don't tell her I said that!)She'll kill me!
    Five

    Pete
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    " It was excellent "
    waterlily ate it and said...
    Now this is how Pasta E Fagioli was meant to be prepared! Thank you so much for a delightful recipe!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    lunasea ate it and said...
    Thanks so much, Chef Elaine. I love this dish - its one of my favorites. Sometimes I just crave comfort food and this fits the bill. High 5.... :) Vickie
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    juels ate it and said...
    I make one similar, except use white beans. This is a delicious soup!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    cookingforfun ate it and said...
    Nice a recipe. Very nice a. Easy 5 from me. :)
    Arthur
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    " It was excellent "
    frodo ate it and said...
    Thanks chef go chef e go 5 pt
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    momo_55grandma ate it and said...
    Elegant recipe Chef thanks bunches high5
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    lilliancooks ate it and said...
    I've been looking for a great Pasta Fagioli recipe for a long time! I'll have to try this one! Sounds wonderful!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    minitindel ate it and said...
    this is my very favorite soup i crave it and every once in a while gotta run to olive garden to get it with there salad hahaha.............

    ten plus for me

    TINK
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    " It was excellent "
    sparow64 ate it and said...
    LOVE this stuff! had it in restaurants, but never had a recipe! Thanks so much for sharing. High 5 to you!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag

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