Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Borlotti Bean Soup (Pasta câ Fasola 'Ncirata')
Delve into the delicious Borlotti Bean Soup, a summery dish bursting with authentic Sicilian flavours!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 200 g short pasta of your choice
- ✓ 2 kg fresh borlotti beans, shelled
- ✓ 400 g potatoes, diced small
- ✓ 200 g diced unsmoked streaky bacon
- ✓ 500 g fresh peeled tomatoes (or tinned)
- ✓ 1 onion
- ✓ 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- ✓ Chopped parsley
- ✓ A few basil leaves
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ A pinch of chilli powder or fresh chilli
📊 Nutritional Information
Borlotti Bean Soup, known in Sicily as pasta câ fasola ‘ncirata, captures the true essence and richness of Sicilian soil. Made with fresh borlotti beans, this hearty soup is a genuine celebration of summer’s bounty when market stalls brim with these nourishing legumes. Join me on a culinary journey that brings to mind the warmth of sunny days and the convivial spirit of Sicilian family tables.
Tasting this soup is like wandering through a Sicilian garden, surrounded by the scent of fresh basil and parsley. The beans’ rich flavour, lifted by the gentle aroma of garlic and onion, perfectly complements the sweetness of ripe tomatoes to create a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Ideal for a family supper or an outdoor lunch, this borlotti bean soup is a triumph of simplicity and taste.
This recipe is perfect enjoyed in the summer months, especially paired with a glass of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a Sicilian red wine with floral notes and a full-bodied palate. A dish that tells the story of Sicilian culinary heritage while inviting you to explore the delightful flavours of the Mediterranean.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Shell the borlotti beans and give them a good rinse under cold running water.
- 2
Make an aromatic base by gently frying the garlic, onion, basil, chilli and parsley together with the bacon.
- 3
Add a couple of glasses of water, season with salt, and let the base cook gently.
- 4
Cook the beans and potatoes separately. Once tender, add them to the sauté and simmer for twenty minutes, using some of the bean cooking water.
- 5
Cook the pasta but drain it a couple of minutes before it’s fully done, then stir it through the soup, keeping it moving constantly.
- 6
Switch off the heat, cover the pan, and let it rest for a few minutes.
- 7
Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and, if you like, freshly ground black pepper before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
Swap the streaky bacon for Parma ham or add a splash of lemon juice for a bright twist. For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the beans and potatoes before stirring them through the base.
📦 Storage
- • Keep at room temperature for no more than a day.
- • Refrigeration isn’t recommended.
- • Gently reheat over a low heat before serving again.
🍷 Pairing
Pairs beautifully with a glass of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, best served chilled between 14 and 16°C.
Why not bring a touch of Sicilian sunshine to your table with this charming borlotti bean soup? It’s a dish that’s simple to make yet full of soul, perfect for sharing around the table with family and friends. Once you’ve tried it, I’m sure it’ll become a beloved recipe in your culinary repertoire—so roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and savour every comforting spoonful together.
Rate this recipe
Click or tap the stars to rate
Potrebbero interessarti anche:
-
Sicilian Minestrone: A Veggie Feast for Wellbeing Other Recipes SoupsDive into the heart of Sicily with this vibrant vegetable-packed minestrone – a hearty, wholesome soup perfect for a simple yet flavoursome meal.
-
Green Bean and Sausage Soup: A Sicilian Classic Bursting with Flavour Other Recipes Soups Quick RecipesDive into the hearty flavours of Sicilian tradition with this warming green bean and sausage soup, a true taste of authentic, wholesome cooking.
-
Grouper Broth from Pantelleria: A Taste of the Sicilian Sea Other Recipes SoupsDiscover how to prepare traditional Pantelleria-style grouper broth - a delicate, aromatic Sicilian fish soup perfect for cooler days.
-
Chicken Broth: A Classic Sicilian Flavor That Warms the Heart Other Recipes SoupsDiscover the secret of traditional chicken broth: flavorful, versatile, and perfect for soups, risottos, and more. Prepare it with me!
-
San Giuseppe’s Hearty Minestrone Other Recipes SoupsDiscover the comforting flavours of San Giuseppe’s minestrone, a traditional Sicilian soup rich with pulses and seasonal vegetables, steeped in Agrigento’s culinary heritage.