White Minestrone Soup with Barley and Beans

Ingredients

• 200 g (7 oz) cannellini beans (soaked overnight)
• 3 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 celery sticks (one with leaves on)
• 2 carrots
• 2 medium onions (one chopped, one whole)
• 1 large potato
• 75 g (2.5 oz) pancetta
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 rosemary sprigs (just the needles)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 200 g (7 oz) pearl barley
• Grated Parmesan (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the cannellini beans that were previously soaked...: Place the cannellini beans that were previously soaked overnight in a large pan, add one of the carrots, the whole onion, and the celery stick with leaves, and cover with water (about 1.2 liters). Bring the pan to a boil on medium-high heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the beans are tender but not mushy.

2. 2

   When the beans are ready, discard the onion,...: When the beans are ready, discard the onion, carrot, and celery stick. Filter the broth and keep it.

3. 3

   In a pan, heat 2 tablespoon olive oil...: In a pan, heat 2 tablespoon olive oil and fry the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until it softens. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant. Stir in the chopped parsley and the rosemary needles and cooks for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Leave the mixture aside.

4. 4

   Dice the remaining onion, carrot, and celery stick,...: Dice the remaining onion, carrot, and celery stick, as well as the potato. In a large pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook the pancetta on medium heat until still crispy. Add all the veggies you chopped and stir for 1-2 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the pearl barley and beans and stir...: Add the pearl barley and beans and stir to combine. Add the bay leaf, stir in the broth, and simmer on low-medium heat for 30 minutes.

6. 6

   Add the parsley and rosemary mixture and cook...: Add the parsley and rosemary mixture and cook for another 10 minutes or until the pearl barley is done to your liking.

7. 7

   Season to taste and serve with grated Grana...: Season to taste and serve with grated Grana Padano on top, if you like.