One Pot Dinner

The Texas Rangers are in the “World Series”!  I’m not a huge baseball fan but when we get into the playoffs I’m there.  Now that we’re there, my adoring hubby and I want to cheer on our team – he’s  like me when it comes to baseball…when we’re in the playoffs he’s in.

In lieu of heading outdoors to grill our dinners, I’m enjoying making some one pot meals in the kitchen where I can keep up with the score.  And how about that scoring situation in the 3rd inning of the last game the Rangers played against Detroit?  If baseball was always that exciting I’d be a full-fledged fan.  Go Rangers!

In Italian, Pasta Fagioli also known as Pasta Fazool is a meatless dish made with pasta and beans.  Perfect for all you “Meatless Monday” fans out there!  In the Dean Martin song “that’s Amore” he croons, “when the stars make you drool, justa like pasta fazool, that’s amore”.  It’s pretty easy to love this easy yet hearty one pot meal.

The recipe varies greatly based on which region of Italy it is being prepared. Some add pancetta or vary the type of bean used.  I chose to add bacon to mine, but we would have been equally as pleased with the outcome had I left it out.  My favorite part of this recipe?  Tossing a splash of red wine in the pot and pouring myself a glass to savor while the soup simmers.  Healthy, substantial soup and it’s a breeze to clean up.  Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about.  Time to watch the Rangers kick butt.

Enjoy!

Pasta Fagioli

Ingredients: 1 cup chopped onion 3 oz. pancetta or chopped bacon (optional) 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 tbsp. olive oil 3/4 cup dry red wine 2 15 oz. cans cannellini beans 2 14 oz. cans chicken broth (low salt) 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper 10 oz. small shaped pasta, digitali, mini penne, or mini elbows 1 1/2 cups 1/4 cup fresh basil, snipped 1 tbsp. fresh oregano

In a 4 quart Dutch oven, cook onion, pancetta or bacon (if using), and garlic in hot oil over medium heat about 5 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring occasionally.  Add wine, scraping any crusty browned bits off the bottom of the pot.  Stir in drained beans, broth, tomatoes, salt and crushed red pepper.  Bring to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, covered for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile cook pasta according to package directions; drain.  Stir cooked pasta, basil, and snipped oregano into bean mixture.  Garnish with oregano leaves.