Hattie's Recipe Box

Hattie's Recipe Box

Hi, readers. Welcome to my recipe box.

I have had many requests for more recipes since I began my Meals, munchies and more column last fall.

The Talon staff and I have created this special online column to accommodate those readers hungry for more recipes.

I guarantee each published recipe to be one I have chosen from my own personal recipe collection compiled over the past 35 years.

Each recipe is going to be one I especially like and have prepared more than once.

My first selection is this Italian bean and pasta soup which is very similar to the one served at Olive Garden restaurant.

Prep time is about 10 minutes and cook time is about 20.

This soup actually has a more robust flavor the day after preparation, so you may want to make it a day ahead.

Do not overcook as this makes the pasta mushy! Remove the pot from the burner at the end of the cooking time to prevent this from happening.

I discovered this the hard way when I left the pot on warm for about 15 minutes.

I also recommend reheating individual bowls in the microwave.

Pasta e Fagiole

Serves 8

Supplies:

Large skillet

Large spoon

Large saucepan or small Dutch oven

Can opener

Fine mesh strainer or colander

Knife

Ingredients:

1 lb. of ground meat

3 tablespoons dehydrated minced onion

2 (16 oz.) cans chicken broth (I use low-sodium broth.)

1 (15 oz.) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (You could use pinto beans.)

1 (15 oz.) can petite-diced tomatoes

1 heaping tablespoon Italian seasoning (or 1 teaspoon each of rosemary, oregano and

thyme)

1 (6 oz.) pkg. fresh baby spinach

¾ cup uncooked small pasta

Directions:

Chop spinach with knife into bite-sized pieces.

Brown meat in large skillet; drain.

Place meat, beans, tomatoes and seasonings into a large saucepan or small Dutch oven and stir to combine.

Bring to a boil, cover with lid and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add pasta and spinach; stir.

Heat to boiling, cover and simmer again for 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente.

Remove from heat as overcooking makes the pasta mushy.

Reheat individual bowls of soup in microwave.