Bring the flavors of Tuscany to your kitchen with this hearty Ribollita recipe, a classic Tuscan stew and beloved Italian comfort food perfect for chilly winter days.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small leek, sliced
- 1 bunch kale or cavolo nero, chopped
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14 oz each)
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups day-old bread, cubed (preferably rustic Italian bread)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: extra olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large pot, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and leek until softened and fragrant.
- Add greens: Stir in the kale and cabbage, cooking until slightly wilted.
- Combine the base: Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and cannellini beans. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Incorporate the bread: Stir in the day-old bread cubes. Let the stew simmer slowly until the bread absorbs the liquid and the mixture becomes thick and hearty—a signature of homemade Ribollita.
- Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning. Drizzle with extra olive oil just before serving for richness and depth of flavor.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle into bowls and serve warm as a main course or alongside a classic Tuscan stew menu. Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.
This Italian vegetable soup is a perfect example of a rustic Italian winter recipe, combining simple ingredients for a dish full of heart and tradition. Enjoy a true taste of Tuscany with this traditional Ribollita, whether served as a cozy weeknight dinner or as a centerpiece for a festive holiday table. Its timeless flavors and rustic charm make it a dish you’ll return to year after year, celebrating the simplicity, warmth, and authenticity of Italian cooking.
