Neapolitan Pasta e Fagioli

Neapolitan Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting and hearty Italian dish that beautifully combines the flavors of pasta and beans. Originating from Naples, this rustic recipe highlights the simplicity of ingredients, with tender borlotti beans and assorted pasta simmered in a rich tomato base.

Enhanced with aromatic vegetables and a hint of spice, this dish is perfect for chilly days, offering warmth and nourishment in every bite. Enjoy a taste of tradition that brings the essence of Italian home cooking to your table!

Neapolitan Pasta e Fagioli

Ingredients:

9 oz dried borlotti beans

12 oz assorted pasta

4 oz tomato puree

1 tablespoon tomato concentrate

1 clove garlic

1 onion

1 celery stalk

4 oz pork cracklings

Salt

1 bay leaf

Extra-virgin olive oil

Red pepper flakes

Instructions:

Prepare the Beans: Soak the borlotti beans in cold water for at least 8 hours. After soaking, rinse the beans and place them in a pot with 3 liters of water and a bay leaf. Cook for 2 hours.

Sauté the Vegetables: While the beans are cooking, clean and chop the onion and celery. In a pan, heat a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic until the vegetables are golden.

Add Pork Cracklings: Once the vegetables are nicely browned, add the pork cracklings cut into pieces. Sauté for about 5 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Incorporate Tomato: Stir in the tomato puree and tomato concentrate. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Combine Beans and Pasta: Add the cooked beans along with a bit of their cooking liquid. Immediately follow with the assorted pasta and cook until the pasta is tender. Season with salt to taste.

Finish and Serve: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for heat, and serve hot. Optionally, add a dash of black pepper and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil on top for extra flavor.

Enjoy your hearty bowl of Neapolitan pasta and beans!

Notes:

Bean Preparation: Soaking the beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time. If you’re short on time, you can use canned borlotti beans; just rinse and add them in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

Pasta Choice: Feel free to use any small or medium pasta shape, such as ditalini, elbows, or orzo. The cooking time may vary, so check package instructions.

Pork Cracklings: For a vegetarian version, you can omit the pork cracklings or substitute them with mushrooms for a similar umami flavor.

Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans before adding the pasta, or let the soup simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.

Flavor Enhancements: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added at the end for freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the liquid, so you might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Consider offering grated Parmesan cheese on the side for an extra touch.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned borlotti beans. Just rinse and drain them, then add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to heat through.

What if I don’t have pork cracklings?

If you don’t have pork cracklings, you can omit them or substitute with diced pancetta or bacon for added flavor.

For a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms for umami.

How can I adjust the spiciness?

You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.

Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Alternatively, you can omit them entirely for a milder dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach to enhance flavor and nutrition.

Just sauté them along with the onion and celery.

How do I ensure the beans are cooked properly?

Soak the dried beans for at least 8 hours or overnight to soften them.

After soaking, simmer them in fresh water until tender, which usually takes about 2 hours.

What should I do if the soup is too thick?

If the soup becomes too thick, simply add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

Let it simmer for a few minutes to heat through.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Soak the beans overnight, then combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender.

What if I don’t have tomato puree?

If you don’t have tomato puree, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes instead.

Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they break down properly.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make a vegan version, omit the pork cracklings and use vegetable broth instead of water.

You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if desired.