Best 2 Ribollita Tuscan Bread Soup Recipes

RIBOLLITA (TUSCAN BREAD SOUP)

Steps:

• Sort, wash and drain the beans. Soak overnight in enough water to cover by 2 inches. Alternatively, quick-soak the beans by boiling them for 5 minutes in the same amount of water. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 1 hour.
• Drain the beans and put them into a saucepan with 1 1/2 quarts of cold water. Bring the beans to a boil, lower the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 45 minutes or until tender, but not mushy. Drain.
• Toast the bread lightly; it should not be dark brown. Cut each slice into 4 pieces. Set aside in a dry place, such as an unheated gas oven.
• Bring the stock to a boil in a 4-quart saucepan and add the kale. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the carrots and cook for 10 minutes. Add the potatoes, garlic and beans and let simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are barely tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Ladle a layer of soup into a 10- cup ovenproof casserole. Cover the soup with a single layer of toast squares. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the toast. Repeat with the remaining soup and toast and more of the oil, ending with a layer of soup. Push the toast gently with a spoon to insure that it is submerged. Drizzle the rest of the oil over the top.
• Cover and bake for 40 minutes; for a firmer-textured soup, uncover for the last 20 minutes. Serve with grated cheese on the side.

TUSCAN BREAD AND VEGETABLE SOUP (RIBOLLITA)

Steps:

• Prepare the broth, if necessary.
• Then, pour the olive oil in a large pot.
• Add the celery, carrots, garlic, onion, and herbs.
• Cook, stirring frequently over medium heat until the celery and other aromatics are tender and golden, about 20 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and cook 10 minutes.
• Stir in the beans, remaining vegetables, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the broth and water to just cover.
• Bring to a simmer.
• Cook gently, over very low heat, until the vegetables are tender, about 2 hours.
• Let cool slightly.
• When ready to serve, pour about 4 cups of the soup into a blender or food processor.
• Puree the soup, then transfer it to a pot along with the remaining soup; reheat gently.
• Choose a soup tureen or pot large enough to hold the bread and soup.
• Place a layer of bread slices on the bottom.
• Spoon on enough of the soup to cover the bread completely.
• Repeat layering until all the soup is used and the bread is soaked.
• Let stand at least 20 minutes; it should be very thick.
• Stir the soup to break up the bread.
• Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with the red onion.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.