Cooking Soothes My Soul

I really enjoy cooking.  I really enjoy baking.  There's something about cooking on a Sunday for your family that makes you feel so good.

Today I tackled Pasta Fagioli.  I think I am in love.  I enjoy it while out but today I made it and I don't think I will ever enjoy it as much as my own.

AND

I even managed to photo my cooking as I went along (a little secret, taking the flash off was amazing - even in my terribly lit kitchen.  Mucho happiness).

Here's the recipe and some yummy photos...

Pasta Fagioli (adapted from Rachael Ray)

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 oz  Pancetta
2 Sprigs Rosemary
1 Tablespoon Thyme (or 2 sprigs)
2 dried Bay leaves
1 medium onion chopped
1 carrot chopped
1 rib celery chopped
4 large cloves garlic
1 can cannellini  beans
1 can red kidney beans
1 can crushed tomatoes (next time I may add more)
2 cups water
1 quart vegetable stock
1 1/2 cups dilatini
grated parm/reggiano cheese for table
crusty bread for "mopping"

Directions

Heat a deep pot over medium high heat and add oil and pancetta.  Brown the pancetta bits lightly and add herb stems, bay leaf, chopped vegetables and garlic.  Season vegetables with salt and pepper.  Add beans, tomato sauce, water and stock to pot and raise heat to high.  Bring soup to a rapid boil and add pasta.  Reduce heat to medium and cook soup, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Remove Rosemary stems and Bay leaves. Place pot on table on a trivet, let rest and cool.  Ladle soup into bowls and top with lots of cheese.  Crusty bread for mopping.

The finished product, which was/is delicious.

Here it is in a favorite dish we received as a shower gift when we got engaged.  I so love it.  This soup just really seemed fitting for it.

Enjoy!  Bon Appetit!

Zizette