Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Borlotti Bean Soup (Pasta câ Fasola 'Ncirata) – A Taste of Sicilian Summer
Discover the comforting charm of Borlotti Bean Soup, a hearty Sicilian classic bursting with fresh, summery flavours.
📖 What is it
Discover the comforting charm of Borlotti Bean Soup, a hearty Sicilian classic bursting with fresh, summery flavours.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 200 g short pasta of your choice
- ✓ 2 kg fresh borlotti beans, shelled
- ✓ 400 g potatoes, diced small
- ✓ 200 g unsmoked streaky bacon, diced
- ✓ 500 g fresh peeled tomatoes (or tinned)
- ✓ 1 onion
- ✓ 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- ✓ Chopped parsley
- ✓ A few fresh basil leaves
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ A pinch of chilli powder or fresh chilli
📊 Nutritional Information
Step into the heart of Sicily with this delightful borlotti bean soup, a dish that captures the essence of the island’s rich culinary heritage. Made with fresh beans and fragrant Mediterranean herbs, this soup evokes long summer days spent wandering vibrant markets and sharing meals al fresco. The sweet ripeness of tomatoes, the punch of garlic, and the fresh herbs will transport you to a sunny Sicilian courtyard, where tradition meets warm hospitality and honest, wholesome flavours.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Shell the borlotti beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
- 2
Finely chop the garlic, onion, basil, chilli and parsley, then gently fry them with the diced bacon until fragrant.
- 3
Add a couple of glasses of water, season with salt, and let the soffritto cook through.
- 4
Cook the beans and potatoes separately until tender. Once ready, add them to the soffritto and simmer for twenty minutes, using some of the bean cooking water to keep it moist.
- 5
Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, drain and stir it into the soup, mixing continuously.
- 6
Turn off the heat, cover the pot 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
- •
For a richer flavour, swap the bacon for thin slices of prosciutto crudo, which add a delicate, silky touch.
- •
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving lifts the dish, balancing the flavours beautifully.
- •
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the beans and potatoes and stir the purée back into the soup for a naturally velvety finish.
- •
Try cooking in a terracotta pot for a slow, even heat that enhances the aromas and preserves the nutrients.
- •
To make this vegetarian, simply leave out the bacon and boost the flavour with a generous drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil and plenty of fresh herbs.
- •
Patience is key: let the soup simmer gently to allow the flavours to meld into a comforting, full-bodied dish.
📦 Storage
- • Keep the soup covered at room temperature for no longer than 24 hours to avoid it picking up any unwanted smells.
- • Avoid refrigerating it, as this can change the texture and delicate flavour of the beans.
- • When reheating, do so gently over a low heat, stirring occasionally to preserve its creamy consistency and fresh aroma.
🍷 Pairing
This soup pairs beautifully with a chilled Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a Sicilian red with fruity and floral notes served between 14 and 16°C. Alternatively, a young Nero d’Avola will complement the rustic character, while a classic Chianti offers a well-balanced option from outside the region.
Making this borlotti bean soup is like inviting a little slice of Sicily into your kitchen — full of genuine flavours and timeless tradition. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go, sharing the joy and warmth of Mediterranean cooking with your loved ones. Don’t forget to share your culinary adventure and spread the love for Sicilian fare on social media using the buttons below. Happy cooking!
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