Pasta E Ceci Recipe

Looking for a delicious and comforting Italian dish? Look no further than Pasta E Ceci, a classic recipe that combines the flavors of pasta and chickpeas in a traditional Italian way. This homemade dish is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Also known as pasta with chickpeas, Pasta E Ceci is a hearty and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re craving a quick and easy meal or an authentic Italian experience, this recipe is here to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.

Key Takeaways:

• Traditional Italian Pasta E Ceci is a classic comfort dish that combines pasta and chickpeas.
• This homemade recipe offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
• If you’re looking for an easy and delicious meal, Pasta E Ceci is the way to go.
• Enjoy the flavors of Italy with this authentic and flavorful dish.
• Pasta E Ceci is a versatile recipe that can be customized to your liking.

Ingredients for Pasta E Ceci

When it comes to making a delicious pasta e ceci, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• Chickpeas: These protein-packed legumes are the star of the show. You can use either canned chickpeas or cook them from dried.
• Olive oil: This fragrant and flavorful oil adds richness to the dish.
• Aromatics: Garlic, rosemary, and red pepper flakes bring a burst of aromatic flavors to the pasta e ceci.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion lend a savory and hearty dimension to the dish.
• Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes provide a tangy and sweet base for the sauce.
• Water or broth: Adding water or broth helps create a flavorful and comforting broth for the pasta.
• Parmesan rind: This secret ingredient adds a deep umami flavor to the dish. Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
• Pasta: While ditalini is the traditional choice, you can use any short and sturdy pasta shape.

Now that we know what ingredients we need, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making pasta e ceci.

Key Ingredients for Pasta E Ceci

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pasta E Ceci

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making pasta e ceci:

1. Prepare the chickpeas:

   Start by cooking the chickpeas. You can either cook them from dried or use canned chickpeas for convenience.

2. Sauté the vegetables and aromatics:

   In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced vegetables and aromatics, such as garlic, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

3. Add the tomatoes and chickpeas:

   Add canned tomatoes and cooked chickpeas to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Simmer:

   Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the tomato purée to cook down.

5. Pour in water or broth and add the parmesan rind:

   Pour in water or broth to thin out the mixture and add extra flavor. Also, add a parmesan rind to enhance the taste. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes.

6. Add the pasta:

   Add the pasta of your choice to the pot. Cook until the pasta is al dente, following the package instructions.

7. Add the finishing touch and serve:

   Drizzle the pasta e ceci with a little extra olive oil before serving. This adds a delicious finishing touch to the dish. Serve warm and enjoy!

“Cooking pasta e ceci is a delightful process that consists of preparing the chickpeas, sautéing the vegetables and aromatics, adding the tomatoes and chickpeas, simmering the mixture to perfection, pouring in water or broth and adding the parmesan rind, cooking the pasta, and finally, adding the finishing touch with a drizzle of olive oil. Every step ensures a harmonious blend of flavors and a comforting, hearty meal.”

Variations and Tips for Pasta E Ceci

Pasta e ceci is a versatile dish that can be varied according to personal taste. Here are some variations and tips to add your own twist to this classic Italian recipe:

Variations

• Use different herbs: Instead of using rosemary, try adding parsley, sage, or mint for a unique flavor profile.

Tips

• Adjust the broth consistency: Depending on your preference, you can use more or less water or broth to achieve the desired consistency of the dish.
• Serve with a side salad: Enhance your meal by pairing pasta e ceci with a refreshing side salad like Caprese salad or Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad for a complete and balanced meal.

These variations and tips allow you to customize your pasta e ceci to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Get creative and experiment with different flavors to make this traditional Italian dish truly your own!

Pasta E Ceci Recipe – Canned Chickpeas Version

If you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to make pasta e ceci, the canned chickpeas version is perfect. By blending a small portion of the beans with some broth at the beginning, you can create a creamy base for the dish. Here’s how:

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients: canned chickpeas, olive oil, aromatics like garlic and rosemary, diced vegetables, canned tomatoes, water or broth, parmesan rind, and pasta.
2. In a blender, blend a small portion of the canned chickpeas with some broth until you get a smooth consistency.
3. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté the diced vegetables and aromatics until they are softened and fragrant.
4. Add the canned tomatoes and the blended chickpeas to the pot and stir well.
5. Let the mixture simmer for a while until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens.
6. Pour in water or broth to adjust the consistency according to your preference. Add the parmesan rind for an extra depth of flavor.
7. Add the pasta to the pot and cook until it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
8. Serve the pasta e ceci hot, garnished with some fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

This version of pasta e ceci is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting and delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The creamy base created from the blended chickpeas adds a velvety texture to the dish. The flavors of the aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and parmesan rind combine beautifully with the wholesome chickpeas and pasta. Enjoy this quick and flavorful pasta e ceci recipe with your family and friends!

Pasta E Ceci Recipe – Cooked Chickpeas Version

When it comes to making pasta e ceci, using cooked chickpeas adds a traditional touch and creates a slightly different texture. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 parmesan rind
• 8 ounces pasta (ditalini or any short pasta)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, rosemary, and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add diced carrot, celery, and onion to the pot. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Mash some of the cooked chickpeas against the side of the pot to create a thick stew-like base.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and remaining cooked chickpeas to the pot. Stir well.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and add the parmesan rind for added depth of flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Add the pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
8. Remove the rosemary sprig and parmesan rind. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Serve the pasta e ceci hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.

This version of pasta e ceci, made with cooked chickpeas, offers a rich and comforting experience. The mashed chickpeas create a thick and hearty base, while the combination of vegetables and herbs infuses the dish with incredible flavors. Simmering the pasta in the stew-like mixture allows it to absorb all the deliciousness, resulting in a satisfying meal that will warm your heart and soul.

Conclusion

Pasta e ceci is the epitome of a classic Italian comfort dish. With its perfect blend of pasta and chickpeas, it offers a nourishing and cozy dining experience. Whether you choose to use canned or cooked chickpeas, preparing homemade pasta e ceci allows you to enjoy the rich flavors and textures that make this dish so special.

What sets pasta e ceci apart is its versatility. You have the freedom to customize it to your personal taste, adding various herbs and spices to create a unique twist. The result is a warm and satisfying meal that brings comfort to even the chilliest of evenings.

Delicious, satisfying, and easy to make, pasta e ceci is a must-try for any lover of Italian cuisine. Prepare this homemade classic and treat yourself to a nourishing and cozy dining experience that will leave you wanting more.