Tuscan Vegetable Soup

Also known in central Italy as acquacotta (literally “cooked water”), this hearty vegetable soup, once considered peasant food, makes an incredibly satisfying one course meal.

TIP: For extra flavor, sauté 1/4 cup chopped pancetta along with the carrots. You can also add the rind from a wedge of Parmesan cheese to simmer in the soup. It adds a super-rich taste of Parmesan.

Tuscan Vegetable Soup Directions 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 ½ cups chopped red onions 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped carrots 4 large cloves garlic, minced ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 can (28 ounces) plum tomatoes in puree, chopped (with juice) 8 ounces kale, preferably Tuscan cavolo nero or lacinato kale, stems removed, leaves coarsely chopped 8 ounces green chard, stems removed, leaves coarsely chopped 2 cups cooked or canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 7 cups chicken broth ¼ cup chopped fresh basil ½ teaspoon salt 3 cups Panera country or sourdough bread cubes, crust removed (optional) ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Directions1.  Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook until the vegetables begin to soften 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute. Add the chopped tomatoes (with juice), kale and chard, and cook until the kale is wilted, 8 to 10 minutes. 2.  Puree 1 cup of the beans and 1 cup of the broth in a food processor. Add to the soup along with the remaining 6 cups broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. 3.  Stir in the basil, salt, and bread cubes (if using) and simmer until the bread thickens the soup, about 10 minutes. Serve sprinkled with the Parmesan. Serves 8  TIP: For extra flavor, sauté 1/4 cup chopped pancetta along with the carrots. You can also add the rind from a wedge of Parmesan cheese to simmer in the soup. It adds a super-rich taste of Parmesan.