Papa’s Pasta E Fagioli

Submitted By: Edith E. Webb

Ingredients

• 1 pound white dried beans (soaked in water to cover)
• Salt
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, unpeeled
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1/2 pound macaroni
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground hot red pepper
• Few sprigs parsley

Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

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 two hours. The oil will be completely absorbed, and a delicate flavor will result. Remove garlic and bay leaf.
Cook macaroni as directed on package; drain and reserve 1 cup of liquid. Add pasta to the beans along with the reserved liquid and hot pepper. Simmer until thick.
Garnish with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.