Two-Bean Minestrone With Pancetta And Parmesan

Name: Two-Bean Minestrone With Pancetta And Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup dried chickpeas (about 4 ounces), soaked overnight and drained; 1 quart water; 1/2 cup dried borlotti or pinto beans (about 3 ounces), soaked overnight and drained; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 5 ounces pancetta, finely chopped; 1 large onion, coarsely chopped; 1 medium leek, white and tender green parts, coarsely chopped; 4 large garlic cloves, minced; 2 large celery ribs, finely chopped; 2 medium carrots, finely chopped; 8 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth; 4 thyme sprigs; 2 bay leaves; 2 large sage sprigs; One 3-ounce piece of Parmesan rind; 1/2 pound Savoy cabbage, coarsely chopped (4 cups); 1/2 pound kale, large stems discarded, leaves finely chopped (5 cups); 1 1/2 cups canned peeled Italian tomatoes, coarsely chopped, juices reserved; 1/2 pound green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths; Salt and freshly ground pepper; Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Servings: persons

1/2 cup dried chickpeas (about 4 ounces), soaked overnight and drained
1 quart water
1/2 cup dried borlotti or pinto beans (about 3 ounces), soaked overnight and drained
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
5 ounces pancetta, finely chopped
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 medium leek, white and tender green parts, coarsely chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
2 large celery ribs, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
8 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
4 thyme sprigs
2 bay leaves
2 large sage sprigs
One 3-ounce piece of Parmesan rind
1/2 pound Savoy cabbage, coarsely chopped (4 cups)
1/2 pound kale, large stems discarded, leaves finely chopped (5 cups)
1 1/2 cups canned peeled Italian tomatoes, coarsely chopped, juices reserved
1/2 pound green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

1
In a medium saucepan, cover the chickpeas with the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the borlotti beans, cover and continue to simmer until the beans are tender, about 1 hour. Remove from the heat and set the beans aside.
2
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large enameled cast-iron casserole. Add the pancetta and cook over low heat until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, leek, garlic, celery and carrots and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the stock, thyme, bay leaves, sage and Parmesan rind and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cabbage, kale, tomatoes and their juices and the cooked beans and their liquid. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Add the green beans, cover and continue to simmer for 1 hour. Discard the thyme sprigs, bay leaves, sage and Parmesan rind. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Serve in bowls. Pass the hot sauce.
3
Make Ahead: The minestrone can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
4
Serve With: Lightly buttered toasts rubbed with garlic and sprinkled with Parmesan. Put a cheese toast in each soup bowl and ladle the hot soup on top.
5
Wine Recommendation: A full-flavored Sangiovese from Montalcino with good fruit and not too much tannin will tie together the ingredients in this hearty soup. The 1998 Altesino Rosso di Montalcino or the 1998 Argiano Rosso di Montalcino would be ideal.

1283

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

171

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 21 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 cup dried chickpeas (about 4 ounces), soaked overnight and drained, 1 quart water, 1/2 cup dried borlotti or pinto beans (about 3 ounces), soaked overnight and drained, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, and more.

Yes, Two-Bean Minestrone With Pancetta And Parmesan falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!