Ingredients:
– 400g of chickpeas
– 350g of Lagane (a type of pasta,, or use lasagna noodles broken into small pieces)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
– 2 tbsp of tomato paste
– 1 tsp of dried oregano
– A pinch of chili flakes
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Olive oil
– Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, soak the chickpeas overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse them the next day before cooking.
2. Place the soaked chickpeas in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for about an hour or until they are tender. Add more water if necessary.
3. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat some olive oil and saute the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until they are soft and fragrant. Add the tomato paste, chili flakes, and oregano and cook for another minute or two.
4. Once the chickpeas are cooked, drain them and reserve the cooking water separately.
5. Add the sauteed vegetables to the pot of chickpeas and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Add the Lagane (or broken lasagna noodles) to the pot along with the reserved cooking water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
7. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and serve the Lagane e ceci hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
This recipe can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences or pantry ingredients. For example, you can add some chopped bacon or pancetta for extra flavor or use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones to save time.
Lagane e ceci is a comforting and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side soup. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it is a great addition to your dinner rotation, especially during the colder months. So grab a bowl and enjoy!