Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 slices lean salt pork
• 1 small onion
• 1 medium garlic clove
• 1 celery stalk
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• SOUP:
• 4 peeled plum tomatoes
• 2 quarts hot water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cups cooked shell beans
• 2 cups small pasta
• 4 tablespoons grated Romano or Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put the slices of salt pork on a chopping board. Top them with the onion, garlic, and celery, and chop, then mince until the pile has turned to a paste.
2. Put the battuto in a big soup pot with the olive oil over medium heat. Saute until golden.
3. Add the tomatoes and cook again for about 3 minutes, or until the tomatoes have blended a bit and softened.
4. Add the hot water, salt, and beans, and bring to a good boil.
5. Once the beans are heated through, crush a few beans against the side of the pot, add the pasta, and continue cooking until it is well done.
6. By this time, the soup is really thick; you may want to add a little more water.
7. Taste for salt, and add some if necessary.
8. Serve with a sprinkling of the grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.

Here are some variations of the bean and pasta soup recipe:

1. Vegetarian Bean and Pasta Soup: Skip the salt pork and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
2. Spicy Bean and Pasta Soup: Add chopped jalapeno or red pepper flakes to the battuto for a spicy kick. You can also use a spicy tomato sauce or diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra heat.
3. Creamy Bean and Pasta Soup: Stir in a can of coconut milk or heavy cream after adding the pasta to make the soup creamy and rich. You can also blend a portion of the soup to create a creamy base.
4. Tuscan Bean and Pasta Soup: Use cannellini beans and add chopped kale or spinach to the soup. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
5. Mediterranean Bean and Pasta Soup: Add sliced Kalamata olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a splash of balsamic vinegar to give the soup a Mediterranean twist.
6. Mexican Bean and Pasta Soup: Use black beans and add spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Top the soup with avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
7. Italian Sausage and Bean Pasta Soup: Brown some Italian sausage and add it to the soup along with the beans and pasta. The sausage will infuse the soup with a delicious flavor.
8. Minestrone Bean and Pasta Soup: Add diced carrots, celery, zucchini, and canned diced tomatoes to create a hearty minestrone-style bean and pasta soup.
9. Pesto Bean and Pasta Soup: Stir in a few spoonfuls of pesto sauce to add a burst of herbal flavor to the soup.
10. Asian-Inspired Bean and Pasta Soup: Use soy sauce, ginger, and a dash of sesame oil for an Asian twist. Add sliced shiitake mushrooms and baby bok choy for an extra flavor dimension.
11. Greek Bean and Pasta Soup: Use fava beans and add chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, and crumbled feta cheese. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.
12. Spanish Bean and Pasta Soup: Add smoked paprika, saffron, and diced chorizo or Spanish ham for a delicious Spanish flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.