Ribollita
Tuscan bread soup meant to be made the day before and 're-boiled' the next day. Gets better every time.
Not traditional, but very satisfying: Italian sausage crumbled into the soffritto. Makes it a full meal.
Soffritto Base
Soup
Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion and a pinch of salt. Cook 10 minutes until soft.
Add carrot and celery. Cook another 10 minutes. Add garlic, cook 2 more minutes.
Crush tomatoes into the soffritto by hand. Add rosemary sprigs and Parmesan rind if using.
Add half the beans whole. Puree the other half with a little stock and add it too — this thickens the soup naturally.
Pour in stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 30 minutes.
Add cavolo nero, simmer 15 more minutes until completely tender.
Add bread, stir gently. Simmer 5 more minutes. The bread should partially melt into the soup.
Season with salt. Leave to cool overnight.
The next day: re-boil (ribollita means 're-boiled'). Adjust consistency with water or stock. Finish with a generous pour of your best olive oil.
Tuscan bread soup meant to be made the day before and 're-boiled' the next day. Gets better every time.
Keep the Parmesan rind in throughout cooking, and finish each bowl with proper grated Parmesan. How Tuscans actually make it.
American cavolo nero substitute: curly kale works well. Remove the tough centre ribs and add 5 minutes of extra cooking.
Thick pork shanks braised in white wine and stock. Cheaper than veal. Nobody is disappointed.