Hearty Tuscan Bean Stew
Hearty Tuscan Bean Stew from Cooks Illustrated
Hearty Tuscan Bean Stew from Cooks Illustrated
1 lb. dried cannellini (2 cups), picked over and rinsed
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
6 oz. pancetta, cut into ¼" pieces (you can substitute bacon)
1 lg. onion, chopped medium (1½ cups)
2 med. celery ribs, cut into ½" pieces (3/4 cup)
2 med. carrots, peeled and cut into ½" pieces (1 cup)
8 med. garlic cloves, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 cups water
2 bay leaves
1 bunch spinach, kale, or collard greens (1 lb), chopped into 1" pieces
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed
1 sprig fresh rosemary
freshly ground black pepper
- Dissolve 3 Tbsp. salt in 4 quarts of cold water. Add beans and soak at room temperature for at least 8 hours and up to 24. Drain and rinse well.
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees and adjust rack to lower middle position.
- Heat oil and in a Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the pancetta (or bacon) stirring occasionally. Cook until pancetta is light brown and the fat has rendered, about 6-10 minutes.
- Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and are lightly browned, 10-15 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until it is fragrant, about a minute. Stir in the broth, water, bay leaves, and beans. Increase heat to high and and when it reaches a simmer, cover the pot and place it in the oven. Cook until the beans are almost tender, 45-60 minutes. The very center of the beans should still be firm.
- Remove from oven. Stir in the greens and tomatoes. Cover and return to oven and cook until the beans and greens are fully tender, 30-40 minutes longer.
- Remove from oven and immerse the rosemary sprig in the stew. Cover and let sit for 15 minutes. Discard rosemary and bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.