Pasta e Fagiolini Soup is a rustic Italian-inspired soup made with tender green beans, tomatoes, potatoes and small pasta simmered in a light, fragrant broth. Inspired by the simple pasta-and-green-bean combinations found throughout Italian home cooking, this oil-free version is comforting, vegetable-forward and beautifully uncomplicated.
1-2tablespoonswater or vegetable broth for sautéing
115-oz can fire-roasted tomatoes with juices
1cupred or russet potatodiced small
4cupsfresh green beanstrimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
8cupslow-sodium vegetable brothdivided, with extra broth or water as needed
1cupsmall pastaditalini, elbows, or tiny shells
1cupfrozen peasoptional—adds color and sweetness
1½teaspoonsdried oregano
1teaspoondried thyme
½teaspoonsea saltor to taste
black pepperto taste
¼cupfresh basilchopped
2tablespoonsfresh parsleychopped
Optional Finish
1½teaspoonsnutritional yeast
1tablespoonBragg Liquid Aminosoptional; adds umami but also sodium
1teaspoon white or red wine vinegarbrightens the broth
Instructions
In a large pot, heat over medium until drops of water dance like mercury. Add onion, celery, carrot and a pinch of salt; sauté with water or vegetable broth for 5–8 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Stir in the tomatoes and potato; cook 5 minutes.
Add the green beans, oregano, thyme and 7 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes and green beans are tender.
Stir in the uncooked pasta and the remaining 1 cup of broth. Simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 8–10 minutes. If the soup thickens too much, add additional broth or water, ½ cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Finish by stirring in the peas, if using, nutritional yeast, basil and parsley. Remove from the heat and add the vinegar and Bragg Liquid Aminos, if using. Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld.