Perfect Pasta e Fagioli

 Well, it looks like we are about to have another huge winter storm come through the Mid Ohio Valley.  And though I have had my fill of winter already, I have decided to take it all in stride!  So when life gives you the possibility of 10 inches of snow, make Pasta e Fagioli!  Yes, this Italian stew is beefy, and hearty, warm, and rib sticking.  Perfect for being snowed in with.  The best part about this stew is that it is so simple to make.  I like to prepare a big pot in the morning and nosh on it all day.

I know you are going to love it so let's get started!

Pasta e Fagioli:
*Prep Time: Overnight to 10 min.  *Cook Time:  1 hr. 15 min.  *Difficulty:  Easy  *Servings 8-10

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Kielbasa, halved and sliced
• 1 lb. Red Kidney Beans (soaked overnight) (Or you can use 1 15 oz. can)
• 1 lb. Cannellini Beans (Soaked overnight) (Or you can use 1 15 oz. can)
• 1 lb. Ditalini Pasta (or any small cut pasta)
• 1 qt. Tomato Juice
• 1 15 oz. can of Diced Tomatoes
• 3 Carrots, sliced
• 3 stalks of Celery, diced
• 1 Onion, diced
• 4-6 cloves of Garlic, minced 
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. Pepper
• 1 tsp. Thyme
• 1 tsp. Basil
• 1 tsp. Oregano
• 8 c. Chicken Stock

To begin, place a heavy pot over a medium/high heat.

While the pot is heating up, you can take this time to get your meat and vegetables prepped.

Add 2-3 tbsp. oil to the pot and the kielbasa.
Cook the kielbasa until it is browned on both sides.

Next add the onion and cook until it begins to get soft and translucent.

Now you can add the carrots and celery.
Cook until the become tender.

Now add the garlic.
Let cook until you smell it coming from the pan.

Now it is time to add the seasonings.
Add the salt,

Pepper,

Thyme,

Oregano,

And basil.
Stir and let cook for a minute or two to reconstitute with oils in the herbs.

Now you can add the tomato juice,

Diced tomatoes,

And chicken stock.
Bring to a boil.

Now you can add the soaked beans.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 45-60 minutes until the beans are tender.
(If you use the canned beans you will only need to simmer for about 20-30 minutes)

Now add the pasta.
If you do not have ditalini pasta, ANY small cut pasta will work.

Bring back to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 min, until the pasta is cooked.
Taste for seasoning.

And there it is!

A lovely, delicious looking, and healthy Pasta e Fagioli!  This really is the PERFECT snowy day meal.  I like to garnish it with a little chopped parsley and shaved Parmesan.  YUM!  I know your entire family is going to love this, and the best part is you probably have everything you need to make it in your pantry right now!  So get in the kitchen and make this AMAZING Italian stew tonight!

And as always...

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,
~The Kitchen Wife~