Slow Cooker Ribollita

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ribollita

• 450g dried cannellini beans

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 large sweet onion, small-diced

• Kosher salt

• 2 large carrots, small-diced

• 3 celery stalks, small-diced

• 1/2 large butternut squash, peeled and small-diced (300g )

• 1 head garlic, cloves separated, peeled, and thinly sliced

• 1 (800g) can San Marzano tomatoes, drained

• Bouquet garni: 2 bay leaves plus a couple sprigs each of fresh sage, oregano, flat-leaf parsley, and thyme, tied together with twine

• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 450g cavolo nero (a.k.a. dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale), leaves torn into small pieces, stems finely minced

• 450g torn country bread, toasted

• 170g finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

• 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker

Place the beans in a large bowl and add cold water to cover by 3 inches. Cover the bowl and soak the beans in the refrigerator overnight.

The next day, pour the beans and their soaking liquid into a slow cooker. Add enough fresh water to cover the beans by 2 inches, cover with the lid, and cook on the high setting for 4 hours.

Place a very large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, and when the oil shimmers, add the onion. Season with salt and cook for 5 minutes, stirring every minute or so, until softened. Add the carrots, celery, butternut squash, and garlic, and cook for 5 more minutes, until starting to soften. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, crushing each one in your hand as you add it. Add the bouquet garni, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 tablespoons of the red pepper flakes. Cook on the low setting for 3 hours.

Uncover the slow cooker, remove the bouquet garni, and add the kale, bread, 1 cup of the Parmigiano-Reggiano, and the remaining 1/2 tablespoons red pepper flakes. Stir the soup well, season with more salt to taste, and serve with the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano sprinkled on top.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.