Pasta and Beans with Pancetta
Category: Main Course
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mixed Pasta | 320g |
| Dried Borlotti Beans | 250g |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Sweet Pancetta | 150g |
| Tomato Passata | 300g |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beans: Begin by soaking the borlotti beans in plenty of cold water. Let them sit at room temperature overnight to soften. The next day, drain the beans and transfer them to a large pot. Cover with fresh water and cook over medium heat. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat and cook for approximately 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Taste them to check for doneness and adjust cooking time as necessary.
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Cook Pancetta and Beans: While the beans cook, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until it becomes crispy and releases its flavorful fat. Once the pancetta is cooked, add the drained beans to the pan, stirring to combine. If desired, add a ladle of the cooking water from the beans to help incorporate the flavors. Pour in the tomato passata, add a pinch of salt, and season with black pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer and infuse for a few minutes.
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Prepare Garlic and Blend: In the meantime, peel and crush the garlic cloves, adding them to the pan with the pancetta and beans. After a few minutes of cooking, remove the garlic cloves, and discard them. Next, take a ladleful of the cooked beans and place them in a tall container. Use an immersion blender to puree the beans, adding a splash of water if needed, until smooth and creamy. Return this bean cream to the pan to enhance the texture of the dish.
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Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add enough hot water to cover the pasta. Stir well and cook according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You may need to add more water during cooking to ensure the pasta is always covered.
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Season and Serve: Once the pasta is fully cooked, adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for a finishing touch. Serve the pasta and beans hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish that perfectly combines the richness of pancetta with the comforting simplicity of beans and pasta, making it an ideal dish for cozy dinners or family gatherings!
