Greens of Minster: Rustic Tuscan White Bean Soup

This flavorful, rustic Tuscan soup is a great way to warm up on chilly days. The mouth-watering combination of pancetta, porcini mushrooms, and hearty cannellini beans makes this a satisfying lunch or light dinner when paired with a crisp, green side salad.

Money-Saving Tip: In many parts of the world, dried porcini mushrooms are more economical and easier to find throughout the year than their fresh counterparts. They are often sold in grocery stores in 1 oz. packages or online in larger quantities. Once reconstituted, strain the soaking liquid through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove sediment and add to soups, stews, or sauces for extra flavor.  

Prep time: 15 minutes + 20 minute soak time for mushrooms
Cook time: 35-40 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

6 oz. pancetta, diced

½ oz. dried porcini mushrooms, reconstituted and chopped

½ c. dry white wine

6 c. chicken stock

Reserved liquid from reconstituting dried mushrooms

2” Parmesan cheese rind

2 bay leaves

1½ T. fresh rosemary leaves, chopped

3 c. cooked cannellini beans, divided

Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

2 c. Curly kale, washed, stems removed, leaves chopped

¾ c. Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated and divided

Directions:

1.  Heat olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat.  Add pancetta and chopped porcini mushrooms to hot pan and sauté until pancetta is nicely browned, approximately 4-5 minutes.

2.  Add white wine and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for a few minutes until wine is reduced by half.

3.  Add chicken broth, reserved liquid from dried mushrooms, Parmesan rind, bay leaves, fresh rosemary, and 2 cups cannellini beans. Stir to combine and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Simmer for 20 minutes or until heated through.

4.  While the soup simmers, add remaining cup of cannellini beans and a little water to a blender or food processer and puree until smooth. Stir into soup to thicken.

5. Add chopped kale and ½ cup grated Pecorino cheese and stir until cheese is completely melted and the kale is wilted, approximately 3-4 minutes.

6. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired. Remove from heat and discard the Parmesan rind and bay leaves.

Serve immediately with remaining grated Pecorino cheese.

Enjoy!