Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces pasta (such as ditalini or macaroni)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Start by soaking the dried chickpeas overnight in water. Drain and rinse them thoroughly before using in the recipe.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the diced carrot and celery to the pot, and cook until they begin to soften, approximately 5-6 minutes.
4. Incorporate the soaked chickpeas, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the chickpeas are tender.
5. Remove the bay leaf from the pot and carefully transfer half of the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, then pour it back into the pot.
6. Return the pot to medium heat and add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. The starch from the pasta will help create a creamy consistency.
8. Serve the Pasta e Ceci hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
So there you have it – a simple and delicious recipe for Pasta e Ceci. This Italian dish is perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings during colder months or any time you want to indulge in a bowl of creamy goodness!
Try making this recipe for your next Italian-inspired dinner and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Buon appetito!