Ficarelli Fagioli

A Ficarelli Family Favorite. We try to have this a few times each month, especially in the winter.
Not a quick fix, this meal takes a while to prepare, but the taste is worth the extra time.

1-1/4 cups of favorite dried northern beans
2 quarts water
Olive oil spray
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1 Tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
2 tsp chopped fresh sage
1 cup peeled, seeded, and finely chopped tomatoes
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
8 oz. Ditalini pasta, uncooked
4 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach

Directions:

1. Clean, rinse and soak beans for 6 hours.
2. Simmer 1 hour.
3. Transfer beans without liquid to container.
4. Use processor or blender until smooth.
5. Coat large pan with cooking spray.
6. Add onion, oil, garlic, celery rosemary, sage, salt and pepper.
7. Cook until mixture is hot.
8. Add bean mixture.
9. Add cooked pasta and spinach. Cook together on low heat until spinach wilts.

Health Benefits:
Low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol, low in sodium and low in calories. The bounty of veggies in this dish will provide antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. Spinach is high in Vitmain A and iron, don’t forget it was spinach that gave Popeye all of his strength. Pasta helps to satisfy your appetite and the veggies add a whole new dimension.