Pasta e fagioli (literally, "pasta and beans") is a traditional Italian soup known for its hearty quality.
This recipe includes everything of the vegetables, pasta, and beans you'd expect from the classic dish, but with an added twist.
This soupy stew's intense, fire-roasted flavor is achieved by quickly broiling tomatoes and peppers.
Meanwhile, pancetta adds a delicious salty flavor, and fresh basil adds brightness.
Starting with freshly cooked beans elevates the recipe, but canned beans (such as dark red kidney beans) can also be used if preferred.
Borlotti beans, sometimes known as cranberry beans in the United States, are thin-skinned beans popular in Northern Italy.
They are regarded for their nutritional value (they are especially high in iron), as well as their delicious flavor and creamy texture.
They are available in most grocery stores and via internet vendors such as Rancho Gordo.