Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing a wine with dinner doesn’t have to be reserved for fancy meals, and a hearty bowl of soup reminiscent of Tuscan flavors: tomatoes, rosemary, pasta, soffrito is a perfect pairing. This dish is my version of this soup, and is based on the classic favorite. Pasta e Fagioli is Italian for pasta and beans, where it is made into a filling stew with veggies and meat in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 lb. spicy (or sweet) Italian sausage, removed from casings

• 1 medium yellow onion, small dice

• 2 medium carrots, small dice

• 2 stalks celery, small dice

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 (15-oz.) cans Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15-oz.) can crushed tomatoes

• 4 cups broth of choice 

• 1 sprig rosemary

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or other tiny pasta)

• Freshly grated Parmesan, for garnish

• Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

This combination of aromatic vegetables is called Sofrito

and is the base of many soups and stews

Directions: 

1. Heat oil in a large dutch oven or deep pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until slightly softened, about 7 minutes. Add sausage and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. 
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper, then add in beans, tomatoes, broth, bay leaves and rosemary. Bring to a simmer, then simmer for 15 minutes.
3. In a separate pot of salted boiling water, cook until pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes.
4. Turn off heat and stir in kale and al dente pasta.
5. Serve in bowls and finish with fresh grated Parmesan, chopped parsley and a drizzle of quality olive oil. Enjoy with toasted crusty bread.  

The Wine:

Bibbiano Chianti Classico 2018

The hearty and warm flavors of the soup complement the herbal and bright flavors in the wine. Bibbiano Chianti Classico is 100% Sangiovese from estate vineyards and aged a year in cement. This wine is pure, fresh and balanced.