Pasta e Fagioli with Parmesan- originally from Cookie and Kate (altered)

Pasta e fagioli means “pasta and beans” in Italian. Recipe yields a big pot of soup. Perfect for a family of 8 to eat dinner with maybe a serving left for dad to take to work the next day. Or if you live alone, you can eat it all week long and only have to cook once!

swirl of evoo or reserved bacon grease
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 ribs celery, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste throughout
1 lb. super lean ground beef or sausage (omit if wfpb)
3 cups water
4 large cloves garlic, minced
1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
4 cups beef or vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or equivalent
2 cans (15oz each) cannellini beans, or other to equal 3 cups of cooked beans
2 cups finely chopped kale ( or an entire bunch, thick ribs removed), or other greens
1/4 c. finely chopped Italian parsley
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup-ish ditalini (or small shell pasta or cavatelli)

1/2 c. heavy cream if desired to finish the soup

Parmesan cheese as garnish

Like most things, this soup tastes even better the next day, but leave noodles out and put them in the hot simmering soup to cook just 20 minutes before serving. 

Build the soup by sauteing in fat, the onion, carrot, and celery with a little salt and pepper. (Salt and pepper along the way as you make the soup). Once vegetables are softened, add in the ground beef, water, and garlic. Break up the meat continually until it is very small and cooked through. This should take about 15 minutes. Water can mostly evaporate.

Add in the tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, oregano, red pepper, beans, kale, parsley, and lemon juice. Stir together well. Let come to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let hang out for about an hour, stirring occasionally. Taste for seasonings and salt and pepper as needed. 

Lastly, add in the pasta and continue to simmer for about 20 minutes until pasta is done. After pasta is cooked you can add in a few swirls of heavy cream if you desire. This is not a brothy soup. It is very hearty.

Serve with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if desired. What a warm, nourishing, hearty dinner!.