Let Them Eat Beans

Economists nitpick whether we are in a recession or close to one. Some even dare to hint at a depression. Presidential candidates see the whole mess as merely an opportunity for more campaign rhetoric. The average citizen visits the supermarket and the gas station and goes away wondering why our government has resorted to hot air rather than constructive programs to ease the hurt. Watching a superpower slowly meltdown is nightmarish. Which brings me to a nightmare I had recently . As I tossed in bed I could hear the President of The United States being interviewed . He kept the interview short since he had head of state business that evening at the opening game of the Washington Nationals . When the interviewer pointed out that the sick economy was causing problems for the average citizen he responded Ala his mentor Cheney, “ So, let them eat beans.” End of interview , end of nightmare. As I wiped the sweat off my forehead I went into shock when I realized that finally I could agree on something with Mr. Bush.. This Howdy Doody President may actually have found a solution for our ailing economy. Yes let them eat beans! Beans fit right in with the “hot air” coming out of Washington but they can also result in a constructive way to ease the hurt of rising prices. I speak from experience.

As a youngster during the Great Depression beans were an important part of our diet . So was pasta. Combine the two and you have Pasta e Fagioli ( a.k.a. Pasta e Fazooli)! For about sixteen dollars one can prepare an excellent vegetarian meal for eight - about two dollars a serving! I’m sure this is not what George had in mind but it is one way to keep the food budget in check. Of course all bets are off if someone finds a way to make ethanol from beans. As with corn, our patriotic farmers will divert beans from our kitchen table and Pasta e Fagioli will command premium prices. Until that day here is my recipe for a tasty, healthful, inexpensive meal. No frills , just darn good food.

Pasta e Fagioli
2 SLICES BACON
1 TBLSPN TOMATO PASTE
2 14.5oz CANS ITALIAN SEASONED DICED TOMATOES
1 SMALL ONION
4 GARLIC CLOVES
1 CELERY STALK
2 15 1/2 oz CANS GREAT NORTHERN OR CANOLLINI BEANS
3 TBLSPN OLIVE OIL
1 ½ qt HOT WATER
2 CUPS D’ITALINI

• IN A SMALL FOOD PROCESSOR MINCE BACON, ONION, GARLIC , CELERY TO A PASTE (BATTUTO)
• ADD BATTUTO TO STOCK POT WITH OLIVE OIL
• SAUTE AT MEDIUM HEAT UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN
• ADD TOMATO PASTE, DICED TOMATOES AND A SOME RED PEPPER - COOK APPROX. 3 MIN
• ADD HOT WATER, A LITTLE SALT, BEANS AND BRING TO A BOIL
• REDUCE HEAT - MAKE SURE BEANS ARE WARM
• CRUSH A FEW BEANS
• ADD PASTA - REMOVE FROM HEAT WHEN AL DENTE
• ADD WATER AS NECESSARY
• ADD PARMESAN CHEESE AND RED PEPPER WHEN SERVING
  
  BON APPETITO