Pasta e Fagioli

Even though school is back in session, we still seem to be eating dinner on summer hours. When the sun is right about here (see above), my family is sitting down to dinner. Eating late has it's advantages: kids play, fiddle and fun in the yard, relax, enjoy the sunset.

I thought I would share what we had for dinner last night. A hearty pasta recipe my husband learned while living in Italy:

Pasta e Fagioli

It is easy, all it takes is a few simple ingredients:

• Olive Oil
• Garlic
• Sweet Onion
• Basil
• Tomatoes
• White Beans
• Salt and Pepper
  

In your blender combine: 3 T. olive oil, 2 springs of basil, 3 medium size tomatoes or 5 small tomatoes, 2 gloves of garlic, 1/2 cup onion. Blend.

Add: 1 can of great northern beans, rinsed. Salt and Pepper to taste. Blend. The beans absorb alot of the salt, so I would be generous with the salt.

Pour sauce into large stock pot and cook on medium. Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer. Sauce will change from pinkish-orange to redish-orange. Once sauce is simmering add noodles.

When I add my noodles, I like to break them in half. Place right on top of sauce, then, take about 2 cups of water and pour into pot just covering noodles. Stir periodically on simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes ~ until water is absorbed.

Fagioli has a yummy beany flavor. My fresh tomatoes and basil make it the perfect summer dish and my kids love it too!