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1
Make a gentle oak fire in the fireplace, or preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
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2
Allow the fire to burn so that coals develop.
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3
If no hanging cauldron is available, use a fireplace grill or a brick structure that allows the pot to stand well above the fire.
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4
There should be very little flame when it comes time to cook the beans, and the pot should be at least 8 inches above the coals.
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5
In a large skillet on the stove, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
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6
Saute the onion (and pancetta) until the onion is golden, about 15 minutes.
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7
Remove from the heat.
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8
Stir in the chopped garlic.
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9
Remove half of this mixture from the skillet and place in a round- bottomed cauldron or a flat-bottomed casserole.
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10
Place the skillet with the remaining onion mixture over medium heat.
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11
Add half of the greens and cook, turning them constantly with a pair of tongs until wilted, about 4 minutes.
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12
About 1 minute before the greens are done, stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper to taste and 1 tablespoon of the vinegar.
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13
When the greens are wilted, remove from the pan and set aside.
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14
Place the remaining greens in the same skillet and cook, stirring and seasoning as above.
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15
Let cool and chop all the greens coarsely.
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16
Add the tomatoes and set aside.
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17
Drain the beans.
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18
Add them to the cauldron or casserole.
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19
Add chicken broth to cover the beans by 3/4 of an inch.
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20
Add the thyme and bay leaf.
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21
Lightly season with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper.
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22
Seal aluminum foil around three-quarters of the rim of the pot and leave it loose over the other quarter, letting it overhang the edge by 3 to 4 inches, forming a tunnel that traps the smoke rising from the fire.
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23
Place over the fire or in the oven.
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24
Cook for 45 minutes, making sure the broth simmers gently and that the liquid does not completely evaporate.
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25
During this time, add chicken broth if necessary to keep the mixture quite moist.
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26
Lift the foil up and stir in the greens.
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27
Continue cooking until the beans are soft and creamy, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
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28
Remove from the heat, stir in the parsley and season to taste with salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar.
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29
Remove the bay leaf.
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30
This dish is best when cooked at least 30 minutes before serving and can be made the day before.