Cook this tempting Tuscan white bean pasta at home
Tuscan white bean pasta is a vegetarian delight from Italy, embodying the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine. It blends creamy white beans with the bold tastes of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. This dish is not only hearty and flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect meal for any day. Ready your apron, for it's time to cook. Check out the recipe.
Gather the following ingredients
For this Tuscan specialty, assemble one cup of dried white beans (soaked overnight), two cups of pasta such as penne or fusilli, and four cups of vegetable broth. You'll also need one chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, one can of diced tomatoes, and a teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and have two tablespoons olive oil ready.
Prepare your beans
Drain the soaked white beans. In a large pot, combine the beans with four cups of vegetable broth. Heat to a boil over medium, then reduce to low and simmer. Cook for about an hour or until the beans are tender. Once done, drain any remaining liquid and set the beans aside for later use in the recipe.
Cook your pasta
As the white beans simmer, start cooking the pasta in a separate pot. Follow the package's instructions to achieve an al dente consistency. Once it's cooked, drain the pasta, ensuring you keep about half a cup of the water. This reserved pasta water will be crucial for later when you'll combine it with the other ingredients to perfect the dish's consistency.
Saute aromatics
Warm two tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions, sauteing until they turn translucent, which should take a few minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for a minute, ensuring it becomes fragrant without browning. It's crucial to keep stirring so that the garlic infuses its aroma without losing its delicate flavor to overcooking.
Combine ingredients
To the pan with the translucent onions and aromatic garlic, introduce the canned diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in oregano and basil, stirring to blend the flavors. Fold in the cooked white beans and allow the mixture to simmer for five minutes. This simmering ensures that the beans are thoroughly heated and infused with the herbaceous essence, creating a unified flavor profile throughout the dish.
Final touches
Gently mix the cooked pasta into the bean-tomato blend. If the consistency is too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste. Serve this nourishing dish warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated cheese as an optional finishing touch.
