New Year's Good Luck "Pasta Fazool" (Pasta e Fagioli) - Food Wishes

Ingredients

• 6 slices Bacon (cut into 1‑inch pieces)
• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 2 stalks Celery (diced)
• 1 pinch Salt (plus more for seasoning at the end)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)
• 1/4 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1/4 tsp Dried Oregano
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (preferably double‑concentrated)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 quart Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
• 1 cup Water
• 1 large bunch Swiss Chard (stems removed, leaves chopped)
• 1 can Cannellini Beans (15‑oz, drained but not rinsed)
• 1 cup Orzo Pasta (dry, can substitute elbow macaroni)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for drizzling)
• 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Render Bacon

   Place sliced bacon in a cold large soup pot, set over medium heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the fat has rendered and the bacon becomes lightly crisp.

   Time: PT10M

2. Remove Excess Fat

   Tilt the pot and use a wadded paper towel and tongs to soak up excess rendered fat, then carefully pour the remaining fat into a heat‑proof cup.

   Time: PT2M

3. Sauté Onions and Celery

   Add the diced onion, diced celery, and a pinch of salt to the pot. Cook, stirring, for 6–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.

   Time: PT7M

4. Toast Spices and Tomato Paste

   Stir in freshly ground black pepper, cayenne, dried thyme, dried oregano, and the tomato paste. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the paste to caramelize slightly.

   Time: PT2M

5. Add Garlic

   Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, removing the raw edge.

   Time: PT2M

6. Add Liquids and Bring to Simmer

   Pour in the chicken broth and water, stir, then increase heat to high until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Reduce to medium and let it simmer while you prepare the greens.

   Time: PT5M

7. Prep Swiss Chard

   Remove the thick stems from the Swiss chard, then slice the leaves crosswise and then perpendicular to create bite‑size pieces. Transfer to a large bowl, fill with water, and swish to wash away grit. Drain and repeat until clean.

   Time: PT10M

8. Simmer Greens

   Add the washed chard pieces to the pot, submerging them. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the greens are tender. Adjust salt with a generous pinch.

   Time: PT10M

9. Add Beans and Boil

   Stir in the drained cannellini beans. Increase heat to high and bring the pot back to a rolling boil.

   Time: PT5M

10. Cook Pasta

    Add the dry orzo (or elbow macaroni) to the boiling mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12–15 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

    Time: PT13M

11. Final Seasoning

    Taste the soup and add more salt if needed. Give everything a good stir.

    Time: PT2M

12. Serve and Garnish

    Ladle the pasta fazool into bowls. Top each serving with grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of red‑pepper flakes.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

8 g