My "back porch" is my kitchen, my favorite room in the house. Come on in, the coffee is fresh, and I just made a pitcher of sweet tea. The cookies will be out in a minute. I have over 40 years of recipes to share with you, along with my opinion on everything. Oh my, you are right, it is cocktail time. What can I get you? Of course I can make you a Mint Julep! Stop by anytime, something is always cooking, and the back door is never locked.

Bon Appetit, Y'all





Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Pasta E Fagioli and a Give-Away

Two reasons for posting this recipe today. It is one of my favorite soups and it ties in with my wonderful giveaway. More about that in a minute. This is not the Pasta E Fagioli that you normally see. This recipe is over 2000 years old, from a cook book I've used since 1969, Papa Rossi's Secrets of Italian Cooking by Victor Bennett with Antonia Rossi

You are going to say, "too much olive oil". The oil will be completely absorbed and a delicate flavor the result. You will think it needs more spices. Not so. It is perfect the way it is.

Did I mention how frugal a dish this is! Or did I mention I'm linking to Miz Helen's Country Cottagetoday as well as to Tastetastic Thursday at A Little Nosh, Frugal Follies, Thrify Thursday, Vintage Recipe Thursdays, The Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap, and Food on Fridays

Pasta E. Fagioli
6-8 servings
print recipe

1 pound white dried beans, soaked in water to cover (don't used canned)
Salt
1 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, unpeeled
1 large Italian bay leaf
1/2 pound salad macaroni
1 teaspoon coarsely ground hot red pepper
Few sprigs parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese

Cook beans in water in which they were soaked. Salt to taste, bring to slow boil, skim foam, add oil, garlic and bay leaf. Cook beans gently until tender, approximately 2 hours. The oil will be completely absorbed and a delicate flavor is the result. Remove the garlic and bay leaf.

Cook the macaroni, drain and reserve 1 cup of liquid. Add pasta to the beans, with the reserved liquid and the hot pepper, and simmer until thick.

Garnish with parsley and grated cheese before serving.

Now for the giveaway: My niece Angie, who blogs at The Jammie Girl, has written an ebook. It just came out a week ago and it's called Tight Budget, Tiny Kitchen, and No Time: How to Eat Well in Your First Apartment. It's full of time-saving and frugal recipes plus tips, tutorials, and checklists. It's perfect for young people leaving home for the first time, but it's just as helpful for anyone who is downsizing or trying to live more frugally in these difficult economic times.

It's available in multiple formats at Smashwords and is getting great reviews already, but you can win a copy here! Just leave me a comment with your favorite frugal meal. Entries close at midnight on Wednesday, October fifth and I'll pick one comment at random on Thursday, October sixth as the winner. Please make sure you have an email address linked to the account you use to comment (i.e. your Google account) or I won't be able to contact you to let you know you've won!

8 comments:

  1. My fav frugal meal is instant oatmeal :) or cream of wheat. Cereal counts right?

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  2. New follower here. Yes, I'd love the ebook. I was a huge fan of Jocasta Innes 'The Pauper's Cookbook' which came out way WAY back. Favourite frugal recipe? Pasta with bacon, onions and tomatoes.

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  3. That sounds like a very tasty, easy and frugal recipe, Beverly. I'm very glad you linked it to Vintage Recipe Thursday. I look forward to your continued participation.

    Favorite frugal meal: Spaghetti and meatballs. Some great frugal ingredients are eggs, onions, potatoes, rice, pasta, beans, quinoa, couscous and corn.

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  4. I stir fry vegetables (whatever's in the fridge)and combine with instant noodles and a drizzle of soy (or other) sauce. Quick, easy and economical.
    (wendyhatton@yahoo.com.au)

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  5. Your recipes always sound good, and of course this one is no exception. My favorite frugal meal is split pea soup, preferably a little bit on the thin side, with some bread and some fruit. You do have to plan ahead to make the soup, but MMMMMM.

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  6. ramen noodles was a staple but tuna mac was one that we made a lot that was very frugal
    shopannies@yahoo.com

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  7. Hi Beverly,
    Your recipe looks awesome, I just love a recipe that is full of flavor. Congratulations to your niece Angie. Good luck with your EBook! Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great week end!
    Come Back Soon,
    Miz Helen

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks so much for linking up this week! My favorite frugal meal is split pea soup. So quick and easy and CHEAP!

    Amy @ A Little Nosh

    ReplyDelete

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