For many years I could not face beans.
I could just not get myself to eat them.
Might be because I only ever had them overcooked and soggy.
It all changed some years ago on a trip to Florence.
I ordered a Tuscan vegetable soup and I was so unhappy when it was put in front of me.
The soup was full of these huge white beans that was floating around.
But I did taste and boy had I been wrong.
These beans was so full of taste and had the most wonderful texture.
After that my "bean life" changed.
Bean and cabbage soup
serves 4
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 red chili, finely chopped
1 large carrot, thinly sliced
6 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon curry powder, mild
1/2 head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
salt
pepper
1 can white beans, rinsed
2 oz pancetta, cubed
2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
1/2 cup grated parmesan
Heat the oil in a large saucepan.
Saute onion, garlic, chilli and carrots until the onion gets soft.
Add stock, curry and cabbage.
Let the soup simmer on medium heat for about 20 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Add the beans.
Saute the pancetta in a skillet until golden.
Add the cabbage and saute until the cabbage has fallen and becomes soft.
Serve the soup in warm bowls with the pancetta/cabbage mixture over and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Photos by Colin Cooke
Enjoy!
Beautifully styled, as always. But I have to tell you that your first line struck be as so adorably dramatic. I imagined you turning yourself away from beans, tragically, sadly. Wonderfully said.
Posted by: tara | September 06, 2009 at 09:29 PM
So fun to have discovered your site! I've never had anything against beans, but still never manage to eat them very often. Now that it is definitely fall here in Norway, soup is a weekly (if not daily) menu item. I'll have to make this, love the addition of curry and pancetta!
Oh- and beautiful photos on top of it all.
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Siri | September 07, 2009 at 09:47 AM
I admit, I was also not in love with The Magical Fruit as a child. My mom would make chili and actually pick out the kidney beans for me, god bless her. But yes, a few marvelous bean dishes later, and I've also come around to see the legume light, especially after seeing gorgeous photos like these. Although, I admit, I'm not totally sold on fava beans...
Posted by: wasabi prime | September 07, 2009 at 04:12 PM
This is perfect for fall, and making me hungry!
Posted by: Kimberley | September 08, 2009 at 02:28 PM
I am making this tomorrow!
Posted by: Mia Zucca | September 08, 2009 at 05:58 PM
There is something about Italian food where it can look so bland, yet be the tastiest dish you've ever had!
This soup sounds and looks delicious!
Posted by: Denise @ Swelle | September 09, 2009 at 06:18 AM
I love beans now, but also didn't not LOVE them as a child. I can't wait to try this soup, and I'm going to see what the reaction is from my own children!
Posted by: Kathryn | September 09, 2009 at 06:58 AM
I'm not a big fan of beans, but I always open to try new things.
Posted by: recipes lover | September 09, 2009 at 08:49 AM
so evoking of the season. perfection!
Posted by: Cannelle Et Vanille | September 13, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Do you think this would work without the chili? Substitute red pepper flakes?
Thanks!
Posted by: Jen | September 17, 2009 at 11:51 AM
My BF's father birthday is approaching and he loves vegetables. Since I'm invited (obviously... haha!), I think I will cook this for them! I hope I will make it well! :D
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