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!