PASTA FAZOOL

Steps:

• Cook the pancetta in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the pancetta is crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the pancetta to paper towels to drain, reserving the fat in the pot.
• Add the onion and some salt to the pot and cook until beginning to soften. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and a couple pinches of salt to the pot and saute, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. Mash the garlic with a drizzle of olive oil to form a paste. Add the garlic mixture and saute until fragrant, about 15 seconds.
• Deglaze the pot with the wine and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Add the chicken stock, beans, tomatoes and up to 1 cup water to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Puree the soup with an immersion blender, about 30 seconds, keeping at least half of the beans intact (or puree in a regular blender, then return to the pot). Add a little more stock to thin out the soup.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, 8 to 12 minutes.
• Strain the past in a colander. In the pot with the soup, stir in the pancetta and half each of the parmesan and basil. Adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
• To serve, divide the pasta between the bowls and ladle some soup on top. Garnish with the remaining parmesan and basil. Finish with a crack of black pepper.
• Split open and quarter 1 baguette. Layer thick slices of sharp provolone and thinly sliced soppressata on the bread. Add some baby arugula and drizzle with sweet Italian vinaigrette.