Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried cannellini beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or macaroni)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Soak and Cook the Beans
Start by soaking the dried cannellini beans overnight in cold water. Rinse them the next morning and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté them until they become tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Beans and Tomatoes
Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes and the vegetable broth. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook
Reduce the heat to low and let the fagioli simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
In a separate pot, cook the small pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the fagioli. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let it simmer together for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Once ready, serve the delicious fagioli in bowls, garnishing each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread and a fresh green salad.
Enjoy your homemade fagioli and bask in the delightful flavors of this classic Italian dish!