Italian Bean Pancetta Cabbage Soup
his Italian pancetta, bean and cabbage soup is hearty and flavorful with the rich savory taste of pancetta combined with the wholesome goodness of beans and earthy cabbage.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 191kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup pancetta/bacon (chopped)
- 2½ cups cabbage (shredded)
- 1 large potato (peeled and medium diced)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 stalk celery (chopped)
- 1 cup tomato puree (passata)
- 6 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store bought)
- 2 cups borlotti beans (drained and rinsed) (or pinto cranberry beans)
- ¼ teaspoon salt*
- 1-2 dashes hot pepper flakes or black pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cumin **
- 4 cups water
*Depending how salty your broth is you may need more or less salt.
** If you don't like cumin you can substitute with coriander, chipotle or smoked paprika.
Instructions
- In a large pot add the olive oil and chopped pancetta, let brown slightly.
- Add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine, bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for approximately 30-75 minutes (this will depend on whether you use canned or dried beans) or until the beans and potatoes are tender. Taste for salt and pepper, adjust if necessary. Serve with crusty Italian bread if desired. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
If using dried beans - In a large bowl add the dried beans, cover the beans well with water. Let them sit for about 8 hours or overnight, then drain and cook until tender, but not mushy. If using canned beans it won't take as long to cook.
A 15 ounce can of beans is approximately 1½-2 cups of beans.
Store leftover soup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in a small pan on the stovetop until warmed through.
To freeze the soup, cool it completely then store it in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight then reheat on the stove top until desired temperature is reached.
Nutrition
Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 984mg | Potassium: 660mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 780IU | Vitamin C: 20.9mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 3.4mg