To simmering stock, add the beans, carrots, celery, and onion. Let simmer for 10 minutes. With a slotted spoon pull out about 1/4 cup of the beans (its O.K. if some of the vegetables also come with the beans). In a sturdy bowl, mash the beans into a paste. Return this to the simmering soup and stir well, then let simmer over low heat for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently. The starch from the mashed beans helps thicken this soup (which should have a nice creamy consistency when done).
Add the ditalini and continue to simmer for 10 – 12 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons of the tomato paste. This can be done by pulling a generous teaspoon from the tomato paste and then stirring this into the soup to dissolve the paste (do this twice). The color should become pumpkin-like when enough tomato paste has been added.
Check the consistency and if not thick enough for your taste, continue to simmer over low heat with constant stirring. Season to taste with white pepper.
Ladle into soup bowls and enjoy with some great bread and a bottle of Three Fox Vineyards Gatto Bianco.
Pair this with some great bread and a bottle of Gatto Bianco and you have a wonderful, quick "comfort" meal to relax with at the end of the day. The recipe below serves 4 and can be cut in half easily.
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Chef's Notes:
Pair with great bread and a bottle of Gatto Bianco and you have a wonderful, quick "comfort" meal to relax with at the end of the day.