White Bean and Escarole Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ounces pancetta or prosciutto, diced
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary or thyme leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 head escarole, (about 1 pound) trimmed, washed, and coarsely chopped
• Two 15 ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup chopped canned whole tomatoes
• 5 cups homemade or canned low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Serving suggestions:

• Drizzle each serving with extra-virgin olive oil and/or sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and serve with a good crusty bread.

Directions

In a soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat, add the pancetta, and saute for about 5 minutes. Remove the meat with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the onion and saute until golden, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, rosemary, and pepper flakes; saute for 3 minutes more. Add the escarole, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes more. Add the beans, tomato, broth, and salt; bring to a boil. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the reserved pancetta and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with the oil and/or cheese and the crusty bread.

Cook's note: Swiss chard is a welcome substitute for escarole.