Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 cup dried cannellini beans
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bunch Tuscan kale, chopped
- 1 small Savoy cabbage, shredded
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 4 cups day-old crusty bread, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Soak and Cook the Beans
Begin by soaking the dried cannellini beans overnight. Drain the beans and cook them in a pot of water until tender. This process can take anywhere between 1-2 hours, so be patient. Once cooked, drain the beans and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables become soft and the onion turns translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 3: Add the Greens
Add the Tuscan kale and shredded Savoy cabbage to the pot. Stir well to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Allow the greens to wilt for a few minutes.
Step 4: Simmer and Season
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and the cooked cannellini beans. Stir in the vegetable or chicken broth, along with the sprig of rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Bread
After the soup has simmered, it’s time to add the cubed day-old bread. Stir it gently into the pot, allowing the bread to soak up the flavors of the soup. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes until the bread softens and thickens the soup.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the Ribollita into bowls and drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil. Optionally, you can sprinkle some shredded Parmesan cheese on top. Serve it hot with a side of crusty bread for a truly authentic Tuscan experience.
By following these steps, you can create a delicious and authentic Tuscan Ribollita. This dish is not only comforting but also a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your meals. Buon appetito!