Pasta and Borlotti Bean Soup (Minestra di Pasta e Borlotti)
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4
This rich, hearty Italian soup combines the comforting flavors of pasta and borlotti beans in a savory broth. It’s a perfect meal for cozy evenings, bringing the essence of traditional Italian cooking straight to your table. Here’s how to prepare this flavorful dish:
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pasta (preferably small or short) | 250g |
| Dried Borlotti Beans | 300g |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Onion | 1 |
| Guanciale (or pancetta) | 50g |
| Potatoes | 300g |
| Fresh Rosemary | 2 sprigs |
| Vegetable Broth | 2 liters |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Bay Leaves | 2 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 5 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
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Soak the Beans: Begin by soaking the borlotti beans in cold water for at least 8 hours. This will soften them, allowing them to cook more quickly.
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Prepare the Broth: While the beans are soaking, prepare your vegetable broth and set it aside. You can make your broth from scratch or use store-bought. If you’re unsure how to make a homemade vegetable broth, consider making it with a combination of water, celery, carrots, onions, and herbs.
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Prepare the Vegetables: Once the broth is ready, wash and peel your vegetables. Dice the potatoes, carrot, and celery into small cubes. Set them aside.
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Cook the Guanciale: In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the guanciale and cook it until it begins to melt and render its fat, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced carrot, celery, onion, and garlic to the pot. Stir everything together and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. The vegetables should begin to soften but not brown.
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Add the Potatoes: Once the vegetables are softened, add the diced potatoes. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring to prevent any burning.
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Add the Beans and Broth: Drain the soaked borlotti beans and add them to the pot. Toss in the fresh rosemary and bay leaves for added flavor. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer the Soup: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 1.5 hours, checking occasionally. The beans should be tender but not mushy. If the soup starts to dry out, add more broth or hot water as needed.
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Add the Pasta: When the beans are tender, it’s time to add the pasta. Stir it into the soup and cook for the time indicated on the pasta package. The pasta should be al dente when finished.
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Final Adjustments: Taste the soup and add salt as needed. You can also adjust the seasoning by adding more herbs if you prefer.
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Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the soup from the heat. Serve hot in bowls, drizzling with a little extra olive oil for richness. Enjoy with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
This Pasta and Borlotti Bean Soup is a wholesome and satisfying dish, perfect for lunch or dinner. The creamy beans, tender vegetables, and pasta in a fragrant broth create a balanced and flavorful meal. It’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of Italy into your home. Enjoy this traditional Italian dish with family and friends!
