Ribollita

Description

Serves 6-8

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes

Here’s a nifty way of using up that stale LOAF ciabatta... if yours hangs around long enough to end up that way, that is. This hearty Tuscan soup, whose name means 'reboiled', comes from the venerable tradition of cucina povera, or the ‘cooking of the poor’. In this, the seasons and frugal necessity dictated what went into the pot and nothing, not even stale bread, was wasted. Use whatever winter vegetables you have on hand- turnips, cavolo nero silverbeet, cabbage, spinach, pumpkin, borlotti beans or chickpeas would all work well. This recipe does makes a hefty amount but leftovers taste even better the next day.
 

Method

Cook the beans in simmering water for 50 minutes or until tender, skimming off any scum that rises to the surface. Drain well.

Meanwhile, remove the stems and thick ribs from the silverbeet. Finely chop 2 cups of the stems and ribs then discard the remaining. Wash and shake dry the leaves, chop coarsely then set aside.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, add the leek, carrot, celery, garlic, chopped silverbeet stems and pancetta then cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes or until the vegetables have softened. Add the ground fennel, chilli flakes, tomatoes and stock and bring to a simmer.

Cook, covered over low heat, for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender then stir in the silverbeet leaves, drained beans and bread. Cover and cook over for 20 minutes or until thick, the silverbeet is tender and the bread has broken down.

Add a little more stock or water if necessary- the soup should be quite thick however. Season well with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper then divide among warmed bowls and serve, drizzled with olive oil and with grated parmesan and torn basil leaves passed separately.