MEMORIES AND MOM'S PASTA FAGIOLI

I remember when my whole family went to Boston for my cousin's big italian wedding, and my husband and I drove from Connecticut to join them. When we arrived my Mother had cooked Pasta Fagioli in my Aunt Terri's kitchen, and tasting it brought back so many lovely memories of home and family. My Mother is always in my heart, even though miles are between us. Cooking her recipes makes me feel a bit closer to her and cooking italian food seems to be in my soul.I am on a quest to recreate all the traditional italian meals I grew up on,vegetarian style!!

This soup is delicious and you can always splurge with a little Italian bread warmed in the oven, or garlic bread. It is super easy and healthy, except the parmesan cheese; but I will be watching my portion size so I should be fine.
You could even drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil on a whole garlic head, wrap it in foil and roast it on 400 degrees for about thirty minutes. That is absolutely delicious on italian bread. Tonight I dipped my italian bread in garlic infused extra virgin olive oil with parmesan cheese, just a little. :-)

Here is the fantastic recipe, simply divine. I make this all the time.

You will need:

1 large onion

Cloves of garlic, I use tons!!

2 large cans crushed tomatoes plus one can hot water

2 regular cans white cannellini beans, do not drain.

1 large parmesan cheese

sea salt

fresh ground pepper

dried or fresh basil or oregano

half of box of ditalini pasta cooked  al dente' and drained

Saute' onion and garlic in a large pot in olive oil.  I always season my veggies as they are cooking. Cook until the onions carmelizes.

 A few minutes later add 2 large cans of crushed tomatoes plus a can of hot water and simmer covered for forty minutes. Season with salt, pepper and oregano.

Add the 2 cans of cannelini beans and simmer another twenty minutes.Do not drain.

After simmering, mix in the parmesan cheese, using most of the can. Then mix in the cooked pasta with  a bit more salt, pepper and oregano and voila you have Mother's Pasta Fagioli.This soup is a big pot of italian goodness. Mangia!!

Looking at bright fresh flowers when you are cooking makes the experience much more lush. Food, flowers, music; feeds our creative senses. I found this little pitcher and it was just shouting for come colorful stems to marry.  Mission accomplished, thanks to Trader Joe's.

CONTRARY TOPIARY
The lotus flower
perfumed in blushes
pink from promise.
Blossoming from
a towering sky’s whim.
Blooming despite
the muddy soil
from which it grew.
Aroused in the aftermath
of earths secret desires.
(c) Rose Bruno Bailey

Color, love and light to all.
Rose