January is the perfect time to embrace traditions that symbolize luck and prosperity. In many cultures, dishes of pork, beans and vegetables are staples of New Year’s Eve celebrations, each ingredient carrying its own promise of good luck. This gluten-free Fazool pasta beautifully incorporates all three for a meal that is not only delicious but also full of auspicious meaning.
What you will need:
12 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons of tomato paste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) plus extra for serving
Kosher or sea salt
Black pepper
4 cups gluten-free chicken broth
1 cup of water
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 bunch chard, stemmed and leaves chopped
12 oz Mountain High Organics Quinoa Fusilli
Olive oil, to serve
Flaked or grated Parmesan or vegan alternative, for serving (optional)
Chopped Italian parsley, to serve
What they mean:
Pig: The smoky, flavorful addition of thick-cut bacon symbolizes progress and advancement. In culinary folklore, pigs are considered lucky because they root forward, embodying a spirit of determination and progress, a perfect way to set the tone for the year ahead.
Beans: Cannellini beans, rich and creamy, are a symbol of prosperity and abundance. Their shape is said to resemble coins, making them a natural choice for dishes intended to bring wealth and good luck.
Greens: Chard, with its vibrant leaves, represents wealth and money. Its inclusion in this dish not only makes it colorful and nutritious but also adds a touch of good luck for your financial endeavors in the coming year.
Now, here’s a twist that I personally love: I use it Mountain High Organics Quinoa Fusilli in this recipe Why fusilli? Its corkscrew shape reminds me of a small worm wriggling on my plate and in my life, symbolizing a continuous thread of good luck that weaves throughout the year. Call it quirky, but I think a little creativity in the kitchen goes a long way in setting the right intentions.
This Pasta Fazool is not only a gluten-free version of the traditional dish, but also a celebration of hope, luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Pair it with a crunchy salad or a slice of gluten-free bread and you’ve got a meal that’s as meaningful as it is satisfying. So go ahead: pour yourself a bowl of good luck and savor the flavors of a promising start to the year!
Gluten-Free Pasta Fazool (Bean Pasta)
Portions: 6
Calories: 461kcal
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the melted fat in the pan.
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Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly caramelized.
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Pour in the gluten-free chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the water and raise the heat to bring to a gentle boil. Add the cannellini beans and fusilli and cook for 10 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water or chicken stock. Add the chard and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. If necessary, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper.
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Spoon the Fazool Pasta into bowls and drizzle with a drizzle of olive oil, grated Parmesan or a vegan alternative, chopped chilli and parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Gluten-Free Pasta Fazool (Bean Pasta)
Quantity per serving
Calories 461
Calories from fat 216
% daily value*
Fat 24 g37%
Saturated fat 8 g40%
Trans fat 0.1 g
Polyunsaturated fats 4g
Monounsaturated fats 10g
Cholesterol 41 mg14%
Sodium 1026mg43%
Potassium 268 mg8%
Carbohydrates 42 g14%
6g fiber24%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 16 g32%
Vitamin A 207 IU4%
Vitamin C 4 mg5%
Soccer 32 mg3%
Iron 1 mg6%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
