Pasta & Kidney Bean Soup (aka Pasta e Fagioli)

Crock Pot Pasta & Kidney Bean Soup

or 

Pasta e Fagioli 

(Pasta & Beans, Fagioli being a standard Italian dialect)

or 

Pasta Fazool

(Pasta & Beans, Fazool being a Neapolitan dialect)

This is a delicious chili-like pasta and bean soup recipe which is great year round or at least I think so! That is why I just spent a hot summer day whipping up this dish and keeping the indoor heat down by using my trusty crock pot. Throw a little side salad together, along with some crusty bread or bread sticks and you will have a one pot wonder!

According to many posts on the 'net', Olive Garden serves a great Pasta e Fagioli and there are many copy-cat recipes which try to recreate their famous soup. Well, I don't lay claim to duplicating the wonder soup of Olive Garden, but I do think this version is really good and satisfying.

Additionally, a couple of songs (one quite famous) capitalizes on using and rhyming "Pasta Fazool", which is the Italian Neapolitan dialect, in lyrics. The first was a 1927 novelty song by Van and Schenck. Take a listen: Pastafazoola. The second, Dean Martin made famous and includes a lyrical rhyme. Take a listen to this famous song: That's Amore.

Before I forget, a Shout Out goes to The Country Cook, Brandie, for her recent Pin on Pinterest for reminding and inspiring me to try this soup.

This is a simple, easy to make soup. So, are you ready to try a little Pasta Fazool? Of course you are...

Let's Try It!

 Ingredients:(makes approx. 6 servings)

• 1 lb. lean ground beef (I use 96/4)
• 1 med. onion
• 3 med. carrots
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes (I used the Italian blend)
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can red kidney beans
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can white kidney/cannellini beans
• 1 (14 oz.) can beef broth 
• 3 c. or 26 oz. beef stock
• 1 (25 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce (I used Prego Italian Light Smart Traditional)
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley or 2 tsp. dried
• 1 tbsp. hot sauce (Tabasco or your favorite)
• 1 tbsp. chili pepper flakes (optional, but I like the extra kick)
• 1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
• salt, approx. 1 tsp. or to taste
• 1 1/2 c. uncooked ditalini pasta or 1 c. ditali (ditali is just a bit larger)
• garnish with grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Brown & crumble ground beef. Drain excess grease. If using the lean 96/4 ground beef, there should be very little.

2. As the ground beef browns, chop up the onion, carrots, & celery.
3. Add the ground beef, onion, carrots & celery to crock pot.

4. Drain & rinse the beans, add to the crock pot. Give everything a good stir.
5. Add 1/2 can beef broth, reserving the rest for later.

6. Add remaining ingredients, EXCEPT PASTA. Give everything another good stir to mix the spices, stock & sauce.
7. Cook on low for approximately 7 hours (or high for 4-5 hours). (smells great when it's cooking)
8. During last 45 minutes of cooking, add the pasta. Stir to mix. *

*note: Check consistency & if you like your soup a bit more soupy, add the remaining 1/2 can beef broth (or more, if desired) & give it another stir.

Now, That's Amore! WildWSS outta here!