Winter Minestrone

Ingredients for Winter Minestrone

• 150g sliced pancetta, chopped

• 3 medium red onions, chopped

• 4 celery ribs, chopped

• 2 medium carrots, chopped

• 80ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 bunch Swiss chard

• 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 (800g) can whole tomatoes in juice

• 2.8L hot water

• 5 cups coarsely chopped cored Savoy cabbage (170g)

• 5 cups coarsely chopped escarole (230g )

• 1 piece Parmigiano-Reggiano rind (about 3 by 1 1/2 inches)

• 1 (550g) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

• Accompaniments: extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling

• cooked ditalini pasta tossed with oil (optional)

• grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

How to make Winter Minestrone

Cook pancetta, onions, celery, and carrots in oil in a wide 7-to 9-quart heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, while preparing chard.

Cut out stems from chard and chop stems, reserving leaves. Stir chard stems into pancetta mixture with garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoons pepper and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very tender and begin to stick to bottom of pot, about 45 minutes total. (Set aside chard leaves.)

Push vegetables to one side of pot. Add tomato paste to cleared area and cook, stirring constantly, until it starts to caramelize, about 2 minutes. Stir paste into vegetables and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. (Paste may stick to pot, but don't let it burn.)

Stir in tomatoes with their juice, breaking them up with a spoon, then add hot water (2.8L ), scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pot.

Bring to a simmer. Stir in cabbage, escarole, and parmesan rind. Simmer, covered, until greens are tender, about 40 minutes.

Coarsely chop chard leaves and stir into soup along with beans. Simmer, partially covered, 10 minutes. Discard rind. Season soup with salt and pepper. If using ditalini, stir in just before serving.

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.