Ribollita (Ina Garten)

Submitted by AmyZoe

"This is very flavorful. I added jalapenos. Recipe courtesy of Ina Garten and Food Network."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 50mins
• Ingredients: 17
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb dried white bean (Great Northern or cannellini)
• kosher salt, to taste
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil, plus extra for serving
• 1⁄4 lb large diced pancetta or 1/4 lb smoked bacon
• 2 cups chopped yellow onions
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 28 ounces italian plum tomatoes in puree, chopped
• 4 cups savoy cabbage (coarsely chopped or shredded)
• 4 cups chopped kale
• 1⁄2 cup chopped fresh basil leaf
• 6 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 4 cups sourdough bread cubes, crusts removed
• 1⁄2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving

directions

1. In a large bowl, cover the beans with cold water by 1 inch and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to soak overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Drain the beans and place them in a large pot with 8 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and continue to simmer for about 15 minutes, until the beans are tender. Set the beans aside to cool in their liquid.
3. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large stockpot. Add the pancetta and onions and cook over medium low heat for 7 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent. Add the carrots, celery, garlic, a tablespoon of salt, the pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium-low heat for 7 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add the tomatoes and the puree, the cabbage, the kale, and the basil and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for another 7 to 10 minutes.
4. Drain the beans, reserving their cooking liquid. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with steel blade, puree half the beans with a little of their liquid. Add to the stockpot, along with the remaining whole beans. Pour the bean cooking liquid into a large measuring cup and add enough chicken stock to make 8 cups. Add to the soup and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
5. Add the bread to the soup and simmer for 10 more minutes. Taste for seasoning and serve hot in large bowls sprinkled with Parmesan and drizzled with olive oil.