Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/19 checked
6
servings
0.5 pound

dried white beans

picked over and rinsed

0.25 pound

pancetta

thinly sliced, chopped

1 unit

onion

chopped

3 unit

garlic cloves

finely chopped

3 tbsp

extra-virgin olive oil

14 ounce

canned whole tomatoes

drained, reserving juice, and chopped

3.5 cup

low-sodium chicken broth

2 cup

water

1 piece

Parmigiano-Reggiano rind

roughly 3 by 2 by 1/2 inch

1.5 tsp

salt

0.25 tsp

black pepper

1.5 cup

cooked whole chestnuts

halved

0.5 pound

cavolo nero

stems and center ribs discarded and leaves torn into bite-size pieces

2 tsp

fresh thyme

chopped

1 unit

Parmigiano-Reggiano

grated

1 unit

fresh thyme sprigs

1 unit

chestnuts

whole

1 unit

extra-virgin olive oil

for drizzling

1 unit

black pepper

Step 1
~7 min

Soak dried white beans in cold water for at least 8 hours or quick-soak.

Step 2
~7 min

Drain the soaked beans well.

Step 3
~7 min

In a large pot, cook pancetta, onion, and garlic in olive oil until browned, approximately 8 minutes.

Step 4
~7 min

Add tomatoes with juice, drained beans, chicken broth, water, cheese rind, salt, and pepper.

Step 5
~7 min

Simmer uncovered until beans are tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 6
~7 min

Remove and discard cheese rind.

Step 7
~7 min

Stir in halved chestnuts.

Step 8
~7 min

Transfer 2 cups of soup to a blender and puree until smooth, then return to the pot.

Step 9
~7 min

Stir in kale and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until leaves are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 10
~7 min

Stir in fresh thyme.

Step 11
~7 min

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, Parmigiano-Reggiano shavings, extra-virgin olive oil, black pepper, and fresh thyme sprigs.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Adjust the amount of broth to your desired consistency.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

For a vegetarian version, omit the pancetta and use vegetable broth.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Soup can be made 1-2 days in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread.

Pair with a simple salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled cheese sandwich
Crusty bread with olive oil

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy

Cultural Significance

Hearty Italian soups are a staple during colder months.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Thanksgiving

Occasion Tags

Winter
Fall
Holiday

Popularity Score

70/100

More Italian Lunch Recipes

Discover more delicious Italian Lunch recipes to expand your culinary repertoire