Hearty Tuscan White Bean Stew - Cooks Illustrated

• 
  
• 
  
• Table salt
• 1pound dried cannellini beans (about 2 cups), rinsed and picked over
• 1tablespoon extra virgin olive oil , plus extra for drizzling
• 6ounces pancetta , cut into 1/4-inch pieces (see note)
• 1large onion , chopped medium (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2medium celery ribs , cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3/4 cup)
• 2medium carrots , peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
• 8medium garlic cloves , peeled and crushed
• 4cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3cups water
• 2bay leaves
• 1bunch kale or collard greens (about 1 pound), stems trimmed and leaves chopped into 1-inch pieces (about 8 cups loosely packed)
• 1(14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes , drained and rinsed
• 1sprig fresh rosemary
• Ground black pepper
• 8slices country white bread , each 1 1/4 inches thick, broiled until golden brown on both sides and rubbed with garlic clove (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. 1. Dissolve 3 tablespoons salt in 4 quarts cold water in large bowl or container. Add beans and soak at room temperature for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours. Drain and rinse well.

2. 2. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 250 degrees. Heat oil and pancetta in large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pancetta is lightly browned and fat has rendered, 6 to 10 minutes. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and lightly browned, 10 to 16 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in broth, water, bay leaves, and soaked beans. Increase heat to high and bring to simmer. Cover pot, transfer to oven, and cook until beans are almost tender (very center of beans will still be firm), 45 minutes to 1 hour.

3. 3. Remove pot from oven and stir in greens and tomatoes. Return pot to oven and continue to cook until beans and greens are fully tender, 30 to 40 minutes longer.

4. 4. Remove pot from oven and submerge rosemary sprig in stew. Cover and let stand 15 minutes. Discard bay leaves and rosemary sprig and season stew with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, use back of spoon to press some beans against side of pot to thicken stew. Serve over toasted bread, if desired, and drizzle with olive oil.

   
   

   Make this recipe without the Pancetta and use vegetable stock!!!!