Name: Pasta Fagioli
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 onion, finely diced; 2 strips bacon, finely diced (or 1/4 c. diced salt pork); 1 clove garlic, minced; 16 ounce chicken stock or broth; 16 ounce canned Italian tomatoes in juice, crushed; 15 1/2 ounce can Great Northern beans; 1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese; 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/4 tsp oregano; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper; 1/2 cup ditalini (tiny, tube-shaped pasta)

Pasta Fagioli

Ingredients

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, finely diced
2 strips bacon, finely diced (or 1/4 c. diced salt pork)
1 clove garlic, minced
16 ounces chicken stock or broth
16 ounces canned Italian tomatoes in juice, crushed
15 1/2 ounces can Great Northern beans
1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 cup ditalini (tiny, tube-shaped pasta)

Instructions

In 2 qt stockpot over low-medium heat, combine oil, onion, bacon, and garlic. Saute until onion is translucent and bacon browns. Add chicken stock and crushed tomatoes and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add beans, cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper. Simmer 3 - 4 minutes. In a large saucepan, boil pasta to al dente stage. Drain and add to soup. Variations: Can add kidney beans, sliced celery and leaves, fresh basil, carrots, and miniature meatballs (1/4 lb ground sirloin, 1 small egg, and 2 Tbsp seasoned bread crumbs). Serves 4