Pasta Partners - Ditalini & Bean Blend for Pasta e Fagioli

From Italian Countryside to American Tables
Pasta e fagioli—derived from the Italian words for "pasta and beans"—has been the soul of Italian peasant cooking since ancient Roman times. This humble dish sustained generations of farmers and laborers across the Italian countryside, particularly in the regions of Campania, Tuscany, and Veneto, where beans grew abundantly and pasta was a kitchen staple.

The beauty of pasta e fagioli lies in its simplicity and resourcefulness—a testament to "cucina povera" (poor kitchen), where Italian cooks transformed basic pantry ingredients into nourishing, deeply satisfying meals. Every region developed its own version: thick and stew-like in Naples, brothier in Venice, enriched with tomatoes in the south, or finished with a drizzle of peppery olive oil in Tuscany.

When Italian immigrants arrived in America, they brought their beloved "pasta fazool" (as it became known in Italian-American dialect) with them. The dish became a cornerstone of Italian-American cuisine, immortalized in Dean Martin's 1953 hit song "That's Amore" with the famous lyric: "When the stars make you drool just like pasta fazool, that's amore!" In Appalachian mining towns and northeastern cities alike, Italian families adapted their traditional recipes using local ingredients, creating new regional variations while preserving the dish's comforting essence.

Today, pasta e fagioli remains one of Italy's most beloved dishes—a bowl of warmth that proves the finest meals require nothing more than simple ingredients, time, and love.

Authentic Italian Comfort, Simplified
Our Pasta e Fagioli Kit brings this centuries-old tradition to your kitchen with everything you need for a soul-warming bowl. We've paired authentic ditalini pasta (the traditional "little thimbles" used in the original recipe) with a carefully selected bean blend and our signature Olio do Panne seasoning—creating layers of savory depth that transform simple ingredients into Italian magic.

What's Inside:

Ditalini Pasta – Authentic small tube pasta, the traditional shape for pasta e fagioli
Premium Bean Blend – A mix of beans that creates the perfect creamy, hearty texture
Olio do Panne Seasoning – Our signature Italian herb and spice blend ("Oil of Bread" seasoning)

Just Add:

2 cups water (for soaking beans)
4 cups tomato sauce
2 additional cups water or stock
Optional: Italian vegetables, sausage, poultry, or TVP

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Soak bean mixture in 2 cups of water
Either: Pressure cook for 10 minutes, OR Let sit for at least 3 hours (overnight is best)

Step 2: Build the Soup

When beans are softened, add 1 Tbsp Olio do Panne seasoning, 4 cups tomato sauce, and 2 more cups water or stock
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low
Simmer for about 2 hours

Step 3: Customize (Optional)

Add Italian vegetables, sausage, poultry, or TVP for extra heartiness
Total Time: 2.5 hours (quick method) to 5+ hours (traditional overnight soak)

Serves: 6-8 generous portions

Why Choose Our Pasta e Fagioli Kit?

✓ Authentic ditalini pasta – traditional Italian shape
✓ Carefully selected bean blend for complex texture
✓ Signature Olio do Panne seasoning for authentic depth
✓ Flexible cooking methods (pressure cooker or traditional)
✓ Customizable with your favorite proteins and vegetables
✓ Tastes even better the next day – perfect for meal prep
✓ Budget-friendly comfort food that feeds a crowd
✓ True cucina povera tradition

Perfect With:

Crusty Italian bread for dipping
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
Fresh basil or parsley
Italian sausage or vegetables

Drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Cultural Note:
This is "cucina povera" at its finest—Italian peasant cooking that proves the best food doesn't need expensive ingredients. Just good pasta, beans, time, and love.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 5-7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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