Rustic Hearty Pasta and Bean Soup
Experience the comforting embrace of this Rustic Hearty Pasta and Bean Soup, a soul-warming dish with origins in Italian culinary tradition. Perfect for those chilly evenings, this soup seamlessly blends the deep flavors of cured bacon, aromatic herbs, and creamy beans with the richness of a Parmesan finish. By incorporating simple yet wholesome ingredients, you'll create a nourishing meal that delights the senses with every spoonful.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground thyme
2-3 pinches (or a couple of shakes out of the bottle)
rosemary
1 pinch (or a couple of shakes out of the bottle)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
butter
1 tablespoon
chopped onion
1 cup (approximately 1 medium onion)
bacon
3 ounces (chopped, or substitute pancetta)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
low sodium chicken broth
5 3/4 cups
red kidney beans
14 1/2 ounces (canned, drained)
pinto beans
14 1/2 ounces (canned, drained)
small shell pasta
3/4 cup (such as orecchiette)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
red pepper flakes
1 pinch
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for drizzling)
sausage or ham
optional (chopped, added with pasta)
Instructions
1
In a heavy large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bacon, and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the bacon begins to crisp.
2
Add the low sodium chicken broth, red kidney beans, pinto beans, and herbs (ground thyme, bay leaves, and rosemary) to the pot. Stir the mixture well, cover, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the beans are tender.
3
Carefully remove 1 cup of the bean mixture and transfer it to a blender. Be sure to let it cool for a few minutes and follow safety precautions when blending hot liquids. Puree until smooth.
4
While the bean mixture is cooling for blending, add the small shell pasta to the soup in the saucepan. Cover and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Optionally, add chopped sausage or ham for additional flavor at this stage.
5
Return the pureed beans to the pot, stirring thoroughly to combine with the rest of the soup. Season with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste.
6
Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Before serving, garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Hearty Pasta and Bean Soup?
It is a soul-warming dish with origins in Italian culinary tradition that blends cured bacon, aromatic herbs, and creamy beans with a Parmesan finish.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, red kidney beans, pinto beans, and small shell pasta.
How long do I sauté the onion and bacon?
Sauté the chopped onion, bacon, and minced garlic for approximately 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the bacon begins to crisp.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 14 1/2 ounces each of canned red kidney beans and canned pinto beans, both drained.
Can I substitute the bacon with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the bacon with 3 ounces of chopped pancetta if preferred.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this soup?
Small shell pasta is recommended, and shapes like orecchiette work particularly well.
How is the creamy texture achieved in this rustic soup?
The creamy texture is created by removing 1 cup of the bean mixture, pureeing it in a blender until smooth, and then stirring it back into the pot.
When should I add the pasta to the soup?
Add the pasta after the beans have simmered for about 10 minutes and while you are preparing the pureed bean mixture.
How long does the pasta need to cook?
The pasta should cook for about 8 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente consistency.
Can I add extra meat to this soup?
Yes, you can optionally add chopped sausage or ham for additional flavor at the same time you add the pasta.
How should the soup be garnished before serving?
Garnish the soup generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
What herbs are used to flavor the broth?
The broth is flavored with ground thyme, whole bay leaves, and a pinch of rosemary.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a very mild heat from a pinch of red pepper flakes added to taste at the end of cooking.
What kind of broth is best for this recipe?
Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the final dish.
How much onion is required?
You will need 1 cup of chopped onion, which is approximately one medium-sized onion.
What heat setting should be used to simmer the beans?
After bringing the soup to a boil over high heat, reduce it to medium heat for simmering.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is butter used in this soup?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of butter is used along with olive oil to sauté the aromatics at the start.
How many bay leaves are needed?
Two whole bay leaves are added during the simmering process.
Should the canned beans be drained?
Yes, both the red kidney beans and the pinto beans should be drained before being added to the pot.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, while the recipe specifies pinches or shakes of ground herbs, fresh herbs can be used for a more vibrant flavor.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe uses 17 ingredients in total, including seasonings and optional additions.
How much Parmesan cheese is used for garnishing?
The recipe suggests using 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the whole batch.
Is this soup considered a winter meal?
Yes, it is specifically described as a winter warmer and perfect for chilly evenings.
How much olive oil is used for drizzling?
One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil is suggested for drizzling over the finished bowls.
Do I need to cover the pot during cooking?
Yes, the pot should be covered while bringing the soup to a boil and while the pasta is cooking.
What safety precautions should I take when blending the beans?
Let the hot bean mixture cool for a few minutes before blending and follow standard safety procedures for blending hot liquids.
Is this an easy meal to prepare?
Yes, by using simple ingredients and canned beans, it provides a nourishing and relatively quick meal.
What provides the savory base of the soup?
The savory base is created by sautéing onion, bacon, and garlic in olive oil and butter.
What is another name for this type of soup?
This recipe is very similar to the traditional Italian 'pasta e fagioli'.