Tuscan Bean Soup

A country peasant soup that is heart enough to be a main course.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 3 Cloves Of Garlic, Minced
• 1 Small Onion, Finely Chopped
• 2 Stalks Celery, Finely Chopped
• 2 Carrots, Peeled And Finely Chopped
• 1 Sprig Fresh Rosemary
• Salt & Pepper
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, And Cracked Black Pepper To Serve
• Finely Chopped Fresh Herbs
• 4 Ounces Pancetta (You Can Use Bacon If Pancetta Is Unavailable)
• 1 Pound Dried Cannellini Beans (Or Combination of Beans), Soaked Overnight In Cold Water
• 1 Onion, Peeled, Cut Into Quarters, Leaving Pieces Attached
• 4 Medium Garlic Cloves, Unpeeled
• 1 Bay Leaf

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1For the beans, Cut the pancetta into 1...: For the beans, Cut the pancetta into 1 inch thick slices, 2 inches long.
2. 2In a large stock pot, cook the pancetta...: In a large stock pot, cook the pancetta over medium heat until golden brown in color, then add the quartered onion, whole garlic cloves, and cook a couple of minutes in the oil rendered from the pancetta.
3. 3Add the beans (drained), bay leaf, and 12...: Add the beans (drained), bay leaf, and 12 cups of water to the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, and cook for about an hour and a half, or until the beans are almost tender.
4. 4Remove from the heat, cover and let site...: Remove from the heat, cover and let site 30 minutes.
5. 5Drain the beans reserving the cooking water, and...: Drain the beans reserving the cooking water, and remove the bay leaf, onion, and garlic cloves.
6. 6For the soup, heat the oil in the...: For the soup, heat the oil in the stock pot, and once hot add the onions, celery and carrots and cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
7. 7Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, then...: Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, then add the cooked beans, rosemary sprig, and 5 cups of the cooking liquid.
8. 8Cook on low for 20 minutes. Season with...: Cook on low for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
9. 9Remove the rosemary sprig and discard.
10. 10Remove 1/3 of the bean mixture and pulse...: Remove 1/3 of the bean mixture and pulse in a food processor until creamy.
11. 11Alternately, you could use a wand blender and...: Alternately, you could use a wand blender and blend part of the beans.
12. 12Return the pureed beans to the pot, and...: Return the pureed beans to the pot, and mix.
13. 13Serve the soup in bowls, with a drizzle...: Serve the soup in bowls, with a drizzle of the extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkling of cracked black pepper on each.
14. 14Sprinkle a little fresh herbs just before serving.