Spring Herbs Soup with Fregola and Pancetta

4 Ratings
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Inspired by s’erbuzzu, a classic Sardinian soup packed with more than a dozen varieties of herbs and spring greens, this recipe delivers big flavor with fresh parsley, tarragon, and chives. White beans, crispy bits of pancetta, and fregola sarda, tiny balls of dried semolina pasta, add heft; orzo or Israeli couscous are delicious substitutes. Stirring in a handful of tarragon, parsley, and chives just before serving this soup preserves the color and flavor of the delicate herbs.

By Justin Chapple
May 2021

Gallery

Read the full recipe after the video.

Recipe Summary

total:
45 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

Directions

  • Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium. Add pancetta; cook, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered, 4 to 6 minutes. Add onion, salt, and black pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 8 to 12 minutes. Add wine; cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has almost completely reduced, 4 to 5 minutes. Add fregola, parsley stems, garlic, fennel seeds, and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until fregola is al dente, 14 to 16 minutes (8 to 10 minutes for orzo or couscous).

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  • Reduce heat to low. Stir in cannellini beans; cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in chives, tarragon, and parsley leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with pecorino Romano, and serve with lemon wedges.

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