How to Make Cranberry Bean Soup
This hearty winter soup is the perfect foil for cold weather and an authentic Italian treat. Serves six people. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 1 tbsp. pure olive (not virgin) oil
- 2 garlic cloves - peeled and minced
- 1 large onions - peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp. salt plus more if preferred
- 1 large carrots - peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 head kales - leaves only, rinsed and cut into thin strips
- 3 c. dried cranberries beans
- 1 large baking potatoes - washed and cut into small dice
- 2 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil - for drizzling
- 1/4 c. pancetta - diced
Instructions
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1
Place a handful of beans on a large plate and pick through them carefully, removing any rocks, bean fragments or debris. Repeat until all beans have been picked over.
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2
Place the beans in a large colander and rinse thoroughly under cool water. In a large pot, add the beans and enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches.
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3
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Let boil for 3 minutes and then reduce the heat to medium.
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4
Skim off any gray foam that comes to the surface during this period. Add the onion, carrot, salt and bay leaf.
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5
Let the beans cook for 1 hour or until they are fairly soft. Drain and reserve the cooking liquid.
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6
In a large pot, heat the olive oil, pancetta and garlic over medium heat. Let cook for 3 or 4 minutes and then add half of the reserved bean-cooking liquid.
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7
Add the kale and potatoes to the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for another 20 minutes. The potatoes should be tender by this point.
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8
Place 1 c. of the beans in a food processor.
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9
Puree the beans with the other half of the reserved cooking liquid.
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10
Add the bean puree to the pot and simmer for 15 minutes.
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11
Add the pepper and taste for seasonings. Add additional salt if preferred. Serve in large soup bowls with extra-virgin olive oil drizzled over the top.
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Tips & Warnings
Cranberry beans are often used in Italy.
This soup is even better after a night in the refrigerator, if you can wait.
