Pasta and Potatoes (Pasta e Patate)

A stick to your ribs, cold weather and comfort food, just like mum used to make.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 4  slices  chopped bacon
• 1  carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1  celery rib, chopped
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 1  clove garlic, very finely chopped
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh parsley
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 1⁄2 lbs boiling potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6  cups water
• 12  ounces  ditalini or 12  ounces elbow macaroni
• 2  cups boiling water
• 1⁄2 cup  freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Chop the bacon, carrot, celery, onion, and parsley together.
2. Pour the oil into a large pan, add the chopped mixture and cook over medium low heat until the vegetables are tender and golden.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the potatoes and water, bring to a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are very tender, about 30 minutes.
5. Mash some of the potatoes with the back of a spoon.
6. Add the pasta and boiling water.
7. Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is tender.
8. The mixture should remain quite thick, but add more water if it seems too thick.
9. Stir in the cheese and serve.