I’ve stirred together a little piece of Italian magic for you guys... Pasta Fagioli. You guys, When I tell you this is to die for I mean it, It is that kind of dish that brings a smile to your face, and your family's face with every bite. Think tender pasta, creamy beans, and a rich tomato broth mixed up with just the right amount of bacon... Yeah, It's so delicious I can't even put it into words. This soup is like a reminder of going to grandma's house and kicking your feet in wait for that perfect dish. And the best part? It’s topped with a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano, And you guys know I love Pecorino Romano more then anything 😂. That just takes it to the next level. Trust me my friends, once you taste this dish your only problem will be hoping you made enough. You know what to do... Make it!
In a large pot, add chopped bacon and render the fat on medium heat for about 5 minutes.
In a bowl add peeled tomatoes and crush then with your hands, set aside.
In the pot add in chopped onion, garlic, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, salt & pepper, olive oil, and sauté until the bacon is, NOT crisp...just until it’s golden and fatty.
Then shake over your flour and whisk continuously for 3-4 minutes.
Fill the 28 oz tomato can with water and add into the pot, whisk again for about 5 minutes on medium to high heat.
Bring the pot to a boil, add in 1 can of drained rinsed cannellini beans and mash then up in the pot using a potato masher until a crushed but not pureed
Then add in crushed tomatoes, 6 cups of water, Pecorino Romano hunk, bay leaves, and let it boil uncovered for about 30 minutes.
Layer with salt & pepper as you go to taste
Once the soup reduces in the pot about 1/4 of the way down, add in 2 cans of drained rinsed cannellini beans and ditalini pasta; boil until the ditalini is al dente, about 11 minutes.
Once you take it off the burner, while it’s still hot, add in ripped basil and stir together.
When serving garnish with grated Pecorino Romano and extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy!