Description
Ribollita is a traditional Tuscan soup made with stale bread, cannellini beans, and seasonal vegetables. Rooted in Italy’s cucina povera, it’s a rustic, hearty, and comforting dish that gets even better when reheated.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 head of savoy cabbage, chopped
1/4 head of black kale (cavolo nero), chopped
1 medium potato, diced
1 zucchini, chopped
2 cups cooked or canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth or water
4 slices stale Tuscan or country-style bread, torn into chunks
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for about 8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced potato and zucchini. Cook for another 3–4 minutes.
- Add chopped savoy cabbage and black kale with a pinch of salt. Cook until greens are wilted.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add torn stale bread and stir until the soup thickens.
- Continue simmering uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the texture is rich and stew-like.
- Serve hot with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and optional fresh herbs.
- For best flavor, let it sit overnight and reheat the next day before serving.
Notes
Letting the soup rest overnight enhances its flavor and texture.
Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.
Fresh bread can substitute stale bread if toasted first.
For a smokier flavor, add smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.
Top with grated Parmesan for a non-vegan variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
