White Bean and Escarole Soup
White Bean and Escarole Soup

Ingredients
- 2-3 thick slices pancetta (roughly ¼ inch thick)
 - 1 large onion, quartered
 - 3 whole garlic cloves, smashed
 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
 - 1 sprig sage
 - 1 large sprig rosemary
 - 3 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
 - 3 quarts low-sodium chicken stock
 - 1 head of escarole, chopped
 - olive oil
 - salt & pepper
 - parmesan rind (optional)
 
Method
- In a large stock pot over medium heat add a few tablespoons of olive oil, pancetta, onions, sage, rosemary and red pepper flakes. After 2-3 minutes, add the garlic. Allow to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring the ingredients and turning the pancetta occasionally. Remove the rosemary and sage.
 - Add the drained beans, chicken stock , cheese rind (not necessary) pepper and a pinch of salt (keep in mind the pancetta is salty), bring to a boil. This is usually the first time I need to skim the soup to discard some of the fat that surfaces on the top, so go ahead and skim. Reduce heat to a simmer and allow to cook for approximately 20 minutes. Skim again if need be.
 - With a large slotted spoon remove the pancetta, onions, garlic and ¾ of the beans, reserving in a bowl or tray. Pull out the pancetta and set aside. Remove some of the larger pieces of onions and discard. Put all remaining onions, garlic and reserved beans in a food processor, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, one ladle full of broth from the soup pot and salt & pepper. Puree. Add pureed bean mixture back to the pot and stir to combine. Continue to simmer.
 - Meanwhile, chop up all the pancetta into a small dice and add them to the pot of soup. Add chopped escarole and allow to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until wilted.
 - Ladle into soup bowls and enjoy alone or with a chunky piece of toasted bread.
 
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