Toasted Spelt Soup with Escarole and White Beans

Ingredients for Toasted Spelt Soup with Escarole and White Beans

• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

• 1 small fennel bulb, cored, coarsely chopped

• 1 carrot, coarsely chopped

• 1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving

• 90g pancetta, cut into 1/4" pieces

• 150g spelt

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 3/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

• 12 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1/2 head escarole, leaves torn into bite-size pieces

• 1 425g can cannellini beans, rinsed

• Shaved Parmesan (for serving)

Pulse onion in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a medium bowl. Repeat with fennel, carrot, and celery, placing vegetables in bowl with onion.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot. Add pancetta and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Add spelt and cook, stirring often, until grains are a couple of shades darker, about 3 minutes.

Add onion, fennel, carrot, celery, and garlic to pot; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 6–8 minutes. Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes, and cook until paste is slightly darkened, about 1 minute.

Add broth to pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, until spelt is tender, 60–70 minutes. Stir escarole and beans into soup and cook until escarole is wilted and beans are warmed though, about 4 minutes.

Serve soup drizzled with oil and topped with Parmesan.

DO AHEAD: Soup can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.