Tuscan White Bean and Kale Soup (Ribollita)

This Tuscan white bean and kale soup is a hearty variation of the very famous ribollita, a classic Italian recipe usually made with stale bread. My vegan-friendly version has the bread on the side, ready to be dunked in the delicious broth!

 

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time35 minutes

Total Time45 minutes

 

Ingredients

 

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium leek, diced (white and light green part only)

1 medium carrot, diced

2 celery ribs, diced

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

½ teaspoon red chilli flakes

250 g (½ lb) cherry tomatoes, halved

½ tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

½ tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1.5 litres (6 cups) vegetable stock

1 bunch cavolo nero (Tuscan kale), stems removed, shredded

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Instructions

 

1.Heat the olive oil in a large heavy bottom pot and saute the leek, carrot and celery for 8-10 minutes over medium heat until they soften.

2.Stir in the garlic and red chilli flakes and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-5, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down.

3.Next, stir in the fresh thyme and rosemary, then add the beans and veggie stock. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a boil.

4.Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes with a lid on, then stir in the cavolo nero. Put the lid back on and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the kale wilts.

5.Stir in the fresh parsley, season to taste, and serve with crusty bread.