Lidia Bastianich's Scrumptious Pasta Fagioli Recipe: A Savory Delight
Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a delicious and hearty Italian soup, packed with pasta, beans, and flavorful ingredients.
Lidia Bastianich, renowned chef and television personality, is known for her delectable Italian cuisine that never fails to captivate the taste buds. Among her many beloved recipes, her Pasta Fagioli stands out as a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this recipe is a true celebration of Italian comfort food. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, following Lidia's step-by-step instructions will allow you to recreate this classic dish with ease. So, grab your apron and get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with aromatic herbs, tender beans, and al dente pasta – because once you try Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli, you'll never look back.
Pasta Fagioli Recipe by Lidia Bastianich
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, then you've probably heard of Lidia Bastianich. Considered one of the foremost authorities on Italian cooking in America, Lidia has been sharing her love for food through her television shows and cookbooks for years. One of her most beloved recipes is her Pasta Fagioli, a hearty and flavorful dish that combines pasta and beans in a delicious soup. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli recipe and guide you through the step-by-step instructions to recreate this classic Italian dish at home.
Ingredients
To make Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup dried borlotti or cranberry beans
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's dive into Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli recipe:
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
Start by rinsing the dried beans under cold water and picking out any debris or stones. Then, place the beans in a large pot and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. After soaking, drain the beans and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the tomato paste to the pot and stir it in, allowing it to cook for a minute or two. Then, add the diced tomatoes with their juices and mix well.
Step 4: Cook the Beans
Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, along with the vegetable broth. Tie the rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf together with kitchen twine and add the herb bundle to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
Step 5: Prepare the Pasta
While the beans are cooking, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
Step 6: Finish the Soup
Once the beans are tender, remove the herb bundle from the pot. Use a handheld immersion blender to puree about half of the soup, leaving some beans and vegetables whole for texture. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer half of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth before returning it to the pot.
Step 7: Add the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the pot of soup and stir well to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the Pasta Fagioli into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
Final Thoughts
Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli is a comforting and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. With its combination of tender beans, flavorful aromatics, and al dente pasta, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow the instructions above to recreate Lidia's recipe, and don't be afraid to add your own personal touches or variations to make it truly your own. Buon appetito!
Introduction
Discover Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli Recipe that combines pasta, beans, and flavorful ingredients for a hearty and delicious Italian dish.
Ingredients
Gather the necessary ingredients including cannellini beans, pasta, pancetta or bacon, garlic, onions, carrots, celery, tomato paste, chicken or vegetable broth, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Preparation
Begin by soaking the cannellini beans overnight, then cook them until tender before preparing the rest of the recipe.
Sautéing
In a large pot, start by sautéing the pancetta or bacon until it turns crispy and releases its flavorful fat into the pan.
Aromatics
Add the chopped garlic, onions, carrots, and celery to the pot, cooking them until they become soft and fragrant.
Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste, coating all the ingredients, and allowing it to caramelize slightly for added depth of flavor.
Simmering
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, along with the soaked and cooked cannellini beans, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Pasta Addition
Add your choice of pasta into the simmering soup, allowing it to cook until al dente and absorb the flavors of the broth.
Seasoning
Taste the Pasta Fagioli and season with salt and pepper according to your preference, ensuring a well-balanced and flavorful dish.
Serving and Garnishing
Ladle the Pasta Fagioli into individual bowls, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, and serve it alongside crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Lidia Bastianich Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Introduction
Pasta Fagioli, also known as Pasta e Fagioli, is a traditional Italian dish that combines pasta and beans in a flavorful broth. Lidia Bastianich, an acclaimed Italian-American chef and television host, has her own delicious recipe for this classic dish.
Ingredients
For Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup dried cannellini beans
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta of your choice)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
To make Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Soak the Beans
- Rinse the dried cannellini beans under cold water.
- In a large bowl, cover the beans with water and let them soak overnight.
- The next day, drain and rinse the beans.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery.
- Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Beans
- Add the soaked and rinsed beans to the pot with the vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
- Stir in the ditalini pasta and continue cooking until al dente, following the package instructions.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the Pasta Fagioli into bowls.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Enjoy this comforting and hearty Italian dish!
Conclusion
Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With its creamy beans, al dente pasta, and aromatic broth, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch. Try it out and savor the taste of Italy in your own kitchen!
Thank you for visiting our blog and taking the time to explore Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli recipe. We hope that you found the instructions clear and easy to follow, and we encourage you to give this delicious dish a try in your own kitchen.
This recipe is a perfect choice for those looking for a comforting and hearty meal. The combination of pasta, beans, and vegetables creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that will warm you up on a chilly day. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, Pasta Fagioli is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
To begin preparing this dish, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. The recipe calls for common pantry staples such as cannellini beans, pasta, tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Make sure to have these items on hand before you start cooking.
Once you have all the ingredients ready, follow the step-by-step instructions provided in the blog post. The recipe includes clear directions on how to sauté the vegetables, cook the pasta, and combine everything together to create a flavorful broth. Lidia Bastianich's expertise shines through in her detailed instructions, ensuring that you can recreate this classic Italian dish with ease.
In conclusion, we hope you are inspired to make Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli recipe after reading our blog post. This hearty and delicious dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a bowl of warm and comforting Pasta Fagioli. Bon appétit!
People Also Ask About Lidia Bastianich Pasta Fagioli Recipe
1. How do you make Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli?
To make Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli, follow these instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Add canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaves to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook ditalini pasta separately according to the package instructions.
- Once the soup has simmered, add cooked pasta, cannellini beans, and fresh parsley to the pot.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Serve hot and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Can I use different types of beans in Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli?
Yes, you can use different types of beans in Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli. While the recipe traditionally calls for cannellini beans, you can experiment with other varieties such as great northern beans or kidney beans for a slightly different flavor and texture.
3. Can I make Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Lidia Bastianich's Pasta Fagioli ahead of time. In fact, the flavors tend to develop and intensify when the soup is refrigerated overnight. Simply store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.