Tuscan Peasant Soup with Rosemary & Pancetta

Tuscan Peasant Soup with Rosemary & Pancetta


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Servings: Serves six to eight
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Ingredients
 
savings in
 
  • 5  tablespoons  extra-virgin olive oilOn Sale
  • 1-1/4  cups  small-diced pancetta (about 6 ounces or 6 thick slices)On Sale
  • 4  cups  large-diced Savoy cabbage (about 1/2 small head)On Sale
  • 2  cups  medium-diced onion (10 to 12 ounces or 2 small)On Sale
  • 1-1/2  cups  medium-diced carrot (about 4 medium carrots)On Sale
  • 1/2  teaspoon  kosher salt; more as neededOn Sale
  • 2  tablespoons  minced garlicOn Sale
  • 1  tablespoon  plus 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemaryOn Sale
  • 1  teaspoon  ground corianderOn Sale
  • 1    28-ounce can diced tomatoes, drainedOn Sale
  • 7  cups  homemade or low-salt canned chicken brothOn Sale
  • 2    15-1/2-ounce cans small white beans, rinsed and drained (about 2-1/2 cups, drained)On Sale
  • 1 to 2  teaspoons  fresh lemon juiceOn Sale
  •     Freshly ground black pepperOn Sale
  • 1  cup  fresh breadcrumbs, toastedOn Sale
  • 1  cup  grated Parmigiano-ReggianoOn Sale

Directions
1.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a 4- to 5-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. When hot, add the pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, until quite shrunken, golden brown, and crisp (the oil will also be golden brown), about 6 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and with a slotted spoon or strainer carefully transfer the pancetta to a paper-towel-lined plate. Pour off and discard all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the pan.
2.
Return the pot to medium-high heat and add the chopped cabbage. Cook the cabbage, stirring occasionally, until limp and browned around the edges, about 3 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat again and transfer the cabbage to another plate.
3.
Put the pot back over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons more of the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions, carrots, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and the vegetables are browned around the edges and beginning to stick to the bottom of the pan, 8 to 9 minutes. Add the last 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the garlic, 1 tablespoon of the fresh rosemary, and the ground coriander and cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, stir together, and cook the mixture 2 to 3 more minutes.
4.
Return the cabbage to the pan and add the chicken broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes to infuse the broth with the flavor of the vegetables. Add the beans, bring back to a simmer, and cook for a minute or two. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, and let rest a few minutes.
5.
Taste the soup and add lemon juice to brighten it--you'll want at least 1 teaspoon. Season with more salt if necessary and a few grinds of fresh pepper. Serve the soup hot, garnished with the reserved pancetta crisps, the toasted breadcrumbs, and the grated Parmigiano.

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