RECIPE

Hearty Minestrone Soup

  • ACTIVE: 30 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 3 HRS 30 MIN plus overnight soaking
  • SERVINGS: 4

The Good News This satisfying soup from David Bull is an excellent source of fiber.

  • ACTIVE: 30 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 3 HRS 30 MIN
  • OTHER TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • HEALTHY
  • MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 1 1/4 cups dried white beans (8 ounces), soaked overnight and drained
    2. 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    3. 2 ounces pancetta, finely diced
    4. 2 medium shallots, minced
    5. 2 large celery ribs, finely diced
    6. 1 medium onion, finely diced
    7. 1 large carrot, finely diced
    8. 1/2 fennel bulb, cored and diced
    9. 4 garlic cloves, minced
    10. 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
    11. 2 bay leaves
    12. 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    13. One 14-ounce can plum tomatoes, chopped, juices reserved
    14. 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth
    15. Salt and freshly ground pepper
    16. 1 cup baby arugula
    17. 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
    18. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

  1. In a pot, cover the beans with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat until tender, about 2 hours; add water to keep the beans covered. Drain the beans and reserve the cooking liquid.
  2. Meanwhile, in another pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the pancetta and cook over moderate heat until crisp, 4 minutes. Add the shallots, celery, onion, carrot and fennel, and cook until softened. Add the garlic, crushed pepper and bay leaves and cook, stirring, until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Add the beans and enough cooking liquid to thin out the soup. Discard the bay leaves; season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a bowl, toss the arugula and parsley with the lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the soup in bowls; top with the salad.

Notes

One Serving 475 cal, 18 gm fat, 4.1 gm sat fat, 55 gm carb, 14 gm fiber.