Pasta e Ceci

配料

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve

3 medium garlic cloves, minced

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon dried oregano

14½-ounce can whole tomatoes, crushed by hand OR 2 ripe medium tomatoes, cored and chopped

Two 15½-ounce cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

4 cups low-sodium chicken OR vegetable broth, divided

½ cup elbow macaroni OR ditalini OR orzo pasta

3 cups (2 ounces) lightly packed baby spinach OR baby kale, roughly chopped

Optional garnish: Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley OR fresh basil OR finely grated Parmesan cheese OR a combination

步骤

In a large saucepan, combine the oil, garlic and pepper flakes. Cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the oregano and tomatoes with juices; cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Add half of the chickpeas and 1 cup broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high, then reduce to medium and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the liquid is reduced and saucy, 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat. Using a potato masher, mash the chickpeas until mostly smooth. Add the remaining chickpeas, the pasta and the remaining 3 cups broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high, then cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally and reducing the heat as needed to maintain a steady simmer (rather than a boil), until the pasta is al dente. Add the spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.

Off heat, taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve drizzled with additional oil.

备注

Classic Italian pasta e ceci, or pasta and chickpeas, is a soup-stew hybrid, and a satisfying meal in a bowl. Our version requires minimal knife work so it can be on the table in well under 45 minutes, and it includes some spinach (or kale) to boost color, freshness and nutrients. We cook a can’s worth of chickpeas with the tomatoes and a little broth, then mash the mixture right in the pan as an easy way to thicken the broth; the rest of the chickpeas are added with the pasta and remain whole and chunky.