This recipe is often made with cannellini beans, but any white bean works well. The dish gets its unmistakable flavor from the use of pancetta, garlic, and tomatoes. It’s the perfect dish to serve guests for dinner, or to make a big batch for leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy or cannellini beans
– 4 ounces pancetta, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 6 cups of water
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 cups dry ditalini pasta
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
1. Rinse the beans in cold water, then soak them in a large bowl of water, overnight. Drain the beans once they have soaked for 12 hours.
2. In a large pot, cook the pancetta over medium heat until it’s crispy and has rendered its fat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes (including the juices) along with the water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Add the beans to the pot and lower heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for about an hour, occasionally stirring. Cook until the beans are tender, but not falling apart.
5. Meanwhile, cook the ditalini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. When the beans are soft, use an immersion blender to slightly blend the beans in the pot. This will give the broth a slightly creamy texture.
7. Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the pot and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
8. To serve, laddle the pasta and bean mixture into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!
This Neapolitan-style pasta and beans recipe is easy to make and a great way to warm up during the cold winter months. Its rich and savory flavors are sure to keep you warm and satisfied. It’s also a family-friendly dish that is sure to please everyone around the dinner table.
It’s important to make sure to fully soak the beans overnight, as this will help them cook evenly and tenderly. The pancetta adds a depth of flavor that makes this recipe stand out from other variations of pasta and bean dishes.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a delicious comfort food to serve guests, this Neapolitan-style pasta and beans recipe is sure to hit the spot. Bon appetit!