Ribollita

1

Ingredients

  • 70ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus some for drizzling on bread
  • 4 to 6 ciabatta rolls, halved lengthwise or 1 loaf, sliced
  • 1 (7 1/2-cm) piece Parmesan rind
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 700ml chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp herbs de Provence
  • 450g tin cannellini beans, drained
  • 450g frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 450g tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, 1 minced and 1 whole
  • 110g pancetta, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan, for serving

Use imperial measurements

Method

How to make Ribollita

Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, pancetta, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is golden brown and the pancetta is crisp, about 7 minutes. Add tomato paste and stir until dissolved. Add tomatoes and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release all the brown bits. Add the spinach, beans, herbs, stock, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4.

Drizzle the ciabatta halves with olive oil. Toast until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and rub the top of the toasts with the whole garlic clove. Place the toasts in the serving bowls and ladle the soup over the toasts. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve immediately.

Comments