In chapter three of Olive Branches Don’t Grow On Trees,Ā Silvia goes to visit her older sister Angie at her house in North Jersey and while Angie is deciding what she will make for dinner, Silvia recalls the time her sister used American cheese to make eggplant Parmesan. Ā She tries to persuade Angie to order out or make something simple. Ā But to no avail, Angie insist on cooking and to accommodate her sister’s vegetarian diet, she makes Pasta Fazool. Ā Silvia is happily surprised that the soup turned out wonderful. Ā This healthy soup, also called pasta fagoli, was served daily at a local diner in my home town of Hammonton, New Jersey. Ā There are many variations on this recipe.Ā  For instance, frozen or fresh peas can be substituted forĀ cannelloniĀ beans. Ā It can also be made with or without chicken broth. Ā See recipe below. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks of celery, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried or fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • salt to taste
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup uncooked sea shell macaroni
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, with liquid
  • 1 bag (12-16 ounce) frozen peas

 

 

Ā 
Directions
  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, sautƩ celery, onion, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, red pepper and salt in olive oil until onion is translucent. Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes and tomato sauce, and simmer on low for 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Add pasta and peas and cook 10 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
  3. Add beans and mix well. Heat through. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

This post is from my blog series on the traditional Italian food recipes from the family drama book, ā€œOlive Branches Donā€™t Grow on Trees.ā€

Grace Mattioli is the author of the Greco Family Trilogy books, including Olive Branches Donā€™t Grow on Trees, Discovery of an Eagle, and The Bird that Sang in Color. These books are available from all major online book sellers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.