I remember when my whole family went to Boston for my cousin Joseph's big Italian wedding to Nicole, 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, healthy style of course.
Since I began My Change for a Ten I have not been cooking as often, and cooking a one pot meal is a seamless way to make a delicious meal. Pasta Fagioli is simple, fast, and healthy and great for sharing with loved ones. One thing my Mother always taught us, there is always enough food if someone shows up hungry on your doorstep. Sharing was always a given in our household.
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. Sometimes a little splurge is ok as long as you do not eat two or three bowls, which my husband always does and he does not need to lose weight. Go figure.
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. I like to dip my Italian bread in garlic infused extra virgin olive oil with Parmesan cheese, but I am being good as of late so I will skip that little indulgence. After all I weigh in tomorrow. I will only have once cup. :-)
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 cannelini beans, do not drain.
1 large Parmesan cheese
sea salt
fresh ground pepper
dried or fresh oregano
Half of box of ditalini pasta cooked al dente' and drained. I like to find whole grain pasta if possible but once in a while it is ok to have the white stuff. :-)
Saute' onion and garlic in a large pot in olive oil. I always season my veggies as they are cooking. Cook until the onions caramelizes.
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 my 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, it all 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. I play some swing music and my whole apartment looks, feels and sounds festive.
Just because I am dieting does not mean I cannot enjoy the pleasures of life. I am seeking balance as I continue on this quest to change myself and help others in the process. I totally believe you can achieve a mind and body connection.
I am overflowing with gratitude for life and loved ones, and the opportunity to live La Dolce' Vita, the sweet soulful life. I wish you the same abundance and more. Happy Sunday
Namaste'
Love and Light
Rose
Since I began My Change for a Ten I have not been cooking as often, and cooking a one pot meal is a seamless way to make a delicious meal. Pasta Fagioli is simple, fast, and healthy and great for sharing with loved ones. One thing my Mother always taught us, there is always enough food if someone shows up hungry on your doorstep. Sharing was always a given in our household.
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. Sometimes a little splurge is ok as long as you do not eat two or three bowls, which my husband always does and he does not need to lose weight. Go figure.
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. I like to dip my Italian bread in garlic infused extra virgin olive oil with Parmesan cheese, but I am being good as of late so I will skip that little indulgence. After all I weigh in tomorrow. I will only have once cup. :-)
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 cannelini beans, do not drain.
1 large Parmesan cheese
sea salt
fresh ground pepper
dried or fresh oregano
Half of box of ditalini pasta cooked al dente' and drained. I like to find whole grain pasta if possible but once in a while it is ok to have the white stuff. :-)
Saute' onion and garlic in a large pot in olive oil. I always season my veggies as they are cooking. Cook until the onions caramelizes.
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 my 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, it all 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. I play some swing music and my whole apartment looks, feels and sounds festive.
Just because I am dieting does not mean I cannot enjoy the pleasures of life. I am seeking balance as I continue on this quest to change myself and help others in the process. I totally believe you can achieve a mind and body connection.
I am overflowing with gratitude for life and loved ones, and the opportunity to live La Dolce' Vita, the sweet soulful life. I wish you the same abundance and more. Happy Sunday
Namaste'
Love and Light
Rose
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