Spezzatino is an Italian vegetable stew that has meat in it. This one boasts small bites of chicken and a sprinkle of crunchy pancetta. I love artichokes, so I add them, along with the beans, to make this soup a meal.
Recipe information
Yield
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
In a heavy 5- to 6-quart saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, until brown and crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta and set aside to drain on paper towels.
Step 2
Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, basil, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Add the chicken and press to submerge. Bring the liquid to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, turning the chicken over and stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
Step 3
Add the artichokes and cannellini beans and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid has reduced slightly, 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the chicken to a cutting board and let cool for 5 minutes. Discard the skin and bones and cut the meat into bite-size pieces. Return the meat to the saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes, or until warmed through. Discard the bay leaf. Season the spezzatino with salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 5
To serve, ladle the spezzatino into bowls and garnish with the pancetta.
