 | Lynn Rosetto Kasper is host of The Splendid Table. . . a nationally syndicated public radio call-in program devoted to the bountiful world of food, broadcast on KMUW FM89, listener supported public radio serving Wichita and South Central Kansas. Tune in every Saturday from 3 – 4 pm and join Lynne and her guests! For more information about FM89 membership, programming and special events, visit us online at www.kmuw.org |
Food & Drink
2002-08-01 09:52:00
Soup, pasta & tomatoes
Question: All the recipes I see for hearty pasta and bean soups call for long cooking. Are there any quick ones with great flavor?
Answer: The trick to cutting back cooking time is to start with a base saute that's bursting with flavor. This carries the dish. Here's what I mean. Over medium high heat, saute lots of chopped onion with garlic, parsley, and canned chickpeas that you've rinsed and drained. When the onion's starting to brown, stir in herbs like oregano and basil, with two tablespoons each of vinegar and tomato paste. Cook three minutes. That's your saute. Add six cups good chicken broth and two handfuls of corkscrew pasta. When the pasta's tender, stir in one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and you have soup. Question: Can you recommend some quality imported and domestic packaged pasta? Answer: Reasonably priced and reliable imported brands: Barilla, De Cecco, Geraldo & Nola, Delverde, La Molisana. Premium, pricey imported brands worth a try: Rustichella, Dallari, Fini, Cipriani, Cav. Giuseppe Cocco, Michele Portoghese, Benedetto Calvieri. Respectable domestic brands: Ronzoni, Buitoni Note: If the instructions on a box of pasta tell you to rinse it, that is a sign of lowest quality. Do not waste time on it. This is only a sampling of reliable brands. Do try those available in your area and experiment!Question: Why do you not recommend using Roma tomatoes and what would you suggest instead? Answer: Roma or plum tomatoes are relatively tasteless. When tomatoes are in season there are many other choices with far more flavor. But if you must have plum tomatoes, look for organic heirloom varieties like Polish Paste and Ox Heart. Always taste before buying and accept nothing less than "wonderful." When tomatoes are not in season, either use the decent-tasting cherry varieties like Sun Gold, Sweet 100's, Grape, or Red Currant or use a high-quality canned brand.
