Homestyle Pasta and Bean Soup with Pork Shank
Have you ever been wrapped in the warmth of a culinary tradition that speaks of family, history, and authentic flavors? Today, I’m taking you into the heart of homestyle cooking with a dish that’s a true soul hug: a hearty and comforting soup that combines handmade pasta with legumes and flavorful pork shank.
I still remember when my grandma used to make this dish on cold winter evenings. The spicy aroma filled the house, promising warmth and satisfaction. Every bite was a journey down memory lane, where each ingredient told a story of simplicity and love.
With this step-by-step guide, you can recreate that magic in your own home. Imagine soft beans mixed with al dente pasta, all enriched by tender pieces of shank that melt in your mouth. And if you want to add that special touch that makes your guests’ eyes sparkle, finish the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil before serving.
Get ready to experience a gastronomic journey that warms the heart as much as the stomach!
Recipe Notes
- TRADITION: a classic and authentic dish
- TIME: requires long cooking but totally worth it
- TWIST: add a drizzle of truffle oil for a special touch
- NUTRITION: approximately 850 calories per serving
- PREPARATION: takes about 30 minutes excluding the bean soaking time
Key Ingredients for the Recipe
- Rustic Pasta: Great for soaking up all the flavors of the soup
- Pork Shank: Adds a rich and juicy flavor to the soup
- Dried Beans: Packed with fiber and protein, perfect for a hearty soup
- Tomato Sauce: Adds a touch of acidity and color to the soup
- Parsley and Bay Leaves: Fresh aromatics that enhance the flavor of the soup
Nutritional Aspects
Let’s explore the nutritional benefits of this classic recipe, perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal.
- High protein content from the pork shank and beans.
- Provides long-lasting energy with the complex carbohydrates from the pasta.
- Rich in fiber from the beans, great for gut health.
- Butter and olive oil add good fats to the dish.
- Source of minerals such as iron and potassium found in the legumes and meat.
- Low in sugars, ideal for those following a balanced diet.
- B vitamins provided by the pork, essential for energy.
Traditional Pasta and Beans Recipe with Pork Shank
Ingredients
- 200 g Pasta Maltagliati type
- 50 g Butter
- 1 Shank Pork
- 400 g Beans Dried
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Sauce
- 1/2 Onion Chopped
- 1 Broth Cube
- Celery Stalk
- Parsley as needed
- Bay Leaf
- Parmesan Grated as needed
- Olive Oil Extra-Virgin as needed
- Chili Pepper as needed
- Salt as needed
Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight.
- Finely chop the onion, celery, and parsley.
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped ingredients with butter and a little olive oil, adding the chili pepper and bay leaf.
- Brown the previously defatted pork shank in the sauté.
- Add the drained and rinsed beans, cover with about 150 cl of hot water, season with salt, and stir in the tomato sauce.
- Let it cook over very low heat for at least 3/4 hours.
- Remove half of the beans and the shank from the pot; sieve the rest to obtain a liquid puree.
- Reincorporate the beans into the soup, add the broth cube, and thicken if necessary.
- Cut the shank into coarse cubes and put it back in the pot with the maltagliati pasta.
- Let the soup rest for about half an hour before serving.
Notes
Variations of the Traditional Pasta and Bean Soup with Pork Shank
Customize your recipe with these deliciously authentic variations.
- Use cannellini beans instead of dried beans for a slightly different texture.
- Swap the pork shank for sausage for a more intense and flavorful taste.
- Add fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce for a fresher and fruitier touch.
- Sprinkle the soup with freshly ground black pepper for an extra touch of warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
If you have any doubts, here are some answers to the most common questions about making this delicious pork shank pasta and bean soup.
How can I make the soup creamier?
To achieve a creamier texture, sieve half of the beans and incorporate the liquid puree into the soup.
Can I replace the pork shank with another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the pork shank with smoked bacon for a slightly different but equally delightful flavor.
How can I store any leftover soup?
You can store the soup in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Reheat it on low heat before serving.
