Every other weekend I will be sharing a recipe with you from one of my favorite bloggers, Amanda from Marshalls Abroad. Amanda documents her life beautifully through her blog and also has a passion for creating incredible dishes for you and I to enjoy (which in return makes us 10 pounds heavier. minor details). I hope you enjoy her contributions as much as I do! Make sure to go visit Amanda on her own space to receive tons of other fabulous recipes, breath taking photos, and a great voice in this blogging world.
This soup is made differently throughout Italy, but no matter the variation, it was always thick and hearty. I learned to eat it drizzled in EVOO, topped in parm or pecorino, and lapped up with a thick piece of bread. I have a traditional recipe written down in one of my journals from that year… which is somewhere in your attic, Mom & Dad! So the one I cooked today is loosely based on what I remember it tasting like. I also added in kale for some greens and a fresh sprig of rosemary for more flavor.
In a large stockpot over medium heat, cover the bottom in olive oil and add in the onion, garlic and pancetta or bacon. Stir around for a couple of minutes until they become lightly browned. Add in the carrots and sprinkle in salt & pepper. Add in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, broth, red wine, and stir together. Raise heat and bring to a boil. Add in the rosemary sprig, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the ditalini pasta al dente in well-salted boiling water. Drain.
Add the pasta to the soup, as well as the kale. Taste; add more salt and pepper as needed. Eat hot with shaved pecorino or parm and a drizzle of EVOO. If you’re not ready to eat, let the soup simmer for as long as you’d like. I left mine for a few hours and it was even better.
Serve with a glass of red wine and your favorite bread!
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
