Zuppa di Ceci ~ Creamy Chickpea Soup

Ingredients

• Cracked Black Pepper
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Crisp Pancetta Bits
• 1 Pound Dried Chickpeas
• 1 Carrot, Diced
• 1 Onion, Peeled & Diced
• 1 Stalk Celery, Diced
• 4 Tablespoons Chopped Pancetta
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 3 Cloves Garlic, Peeled & Minced
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4+ Cups)
• Salt & Pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Starting the night before, place the dried beans...: Starting the night before, place the dried beans in a bowl and cover with water.

2. 2

   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let...: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest until needed.

3. 3

   Drain the beans and place in a pot...: Drain the beans and place in a pot and cover with fresh water.

4. 4

   Bring the water to a boil, then decrease...: Bring the water to a boil, then decrease to a simmer and cook until the beans are tender. (This may take 30 to 45 minutes depending on the beans.)

5. 5

   Drain and let sit in a colander while...: Drain and let sit in a colander while you prepare the soup flavor base.

6. 6

   In a large soup pot, heat the oil...: In a large soup pot, heat the oil and then add the pancetta, carrots, onion, celery and garlic.

7. 7

   Cook until the vegetables are tender and the...: Cook until the vegetables are tender and the pancetta pieces are lightly browned.

8. 8

   Remove about 1 1/2 cups of the chickpeas...: Remove about 1 1/2 cups of the chickpeas and set aside until later.

9. 9

   Return the rest of the chickpeas to the...: Return the rest of the chickpeas to the pot with the vegetables and cover everything with broth by at least 1 inch.

10. 10

    Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat...: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and slowly simmer for another 20 to 30 minutes or so to develop and meld the flavors.

11. 11

    Season with salt and pepper.

12. 12

    Puree the soup until thick and smooth, adding...: Puree the soup until thick and smooth, adding additional broth as needed.

13. 13

    Return the soup to the heat and stir...: Return the soup to the heat and stir in the chickpeas you had set aside early.

14. 14

    Serve in individual bowls topped with some cracked...: Serve in individual bowls topped with some cracked black pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

15. 15

    Sprinkle top of soup with the crispy pancetta...: Sprinkle top of soup with the crispy pancetta bits and serve.