Italian Pasta and Bean Soup Classic

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €5.98 · €1.00/serving

• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oilEst. price €0.08–€0.20
• 1 medium onion, finely minced (soak in cold water for extra crispness)Est. price €0.20–€0.50
• 2 cloves of fresh garlic, finely grated (crush with knife blade to release oils)Est. price €0.05–€0.12
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes (blanch in boiling water for a vibrant color)Est. price €0.15–€0.35
• 1 large celery stalk, diced into 1/4-inch pieces (reserve leaves for garnish)Est. price €0.25–€0.60
• 4 cups of cooked cannellini beans (about 1 1/2 cups dried), or two 16-ounce cans, thoroughly drained and rinsedEst. price €2.80–€4.80
• 6 cups of bean cooking liquid, or 6 cups of water with 2 vegetable bouillon cubes (simmer for depth of flavor)Est. price €0.00–€0.00
• 2 cups of zucchini, finely diced (do not overcook to maintain texture)Est. price €1.20–€2.50
• 2 bay leaves, dried and fragrantEst. price €0.02–€0.06
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of Mediterranean herb blend (adjust to taste)Est. price €0.15–€0.30

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by heating oil in a soup pot over medium-low heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables until they turn golden brown, stirring frequently throughout the process.

2. 2

   Combine the beans, cooking liquid, zucchini, bay leaves, seasoning, and tomato paste in a pot. Increase the heat until it reaches a rapid simmer. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and gently simmer until the zucchini is tender, which should take approximately 10 minutes. Take the pot off the heat and let the soup sit for about an hour to enhance its flavors. Finally, remove and throw away the bay leaves before serving.

3. 3

   Prior to serving, prepare the pasta by cooking it in a separate saucepan until it reaches an al dente consistency. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water until it is no longer steaming. Mix the pasta into the soup along with the parsley, then season with salt and pepper before serving.

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• Cultural note

  Italian Pasta and Bean Soup, also known as Pasta e Fagioli, is a classic Italian dish with humble origins. It is a staple in Italian cuisine, showcasing the simplicity and delicious flavors of traditional Italian cooking.

• Seasonal note

  Italian Pasta and Bean Soup is a hearty dish that is perfect for the colder months, particularly in the fall and winter seasons when root vegetables like carrots and celery are in abundance.

• Health note

  This soup is a nutritious option rich in fiber from the beans and vegetables, providing a good source of plant-based protein. It is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice.