Gargano-Style Rustic Bread Soup with Turnip Greens

Pancotto del Gargano Recipe

Category: First Courses
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Turnip Greens: Begin by cleaning the turnip greens (cime di rapa). Remove any damaged leaves and tough, fibrous stems. Roughly chop the greens into smaller pieces.

2. Prepare the Tomatoes: Rinse the tomatoes thoroughly and cut them into large chunks.

3. Sauté the Garlic: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic clove, leaving it in its skin, and sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant.

4. Add Potatoes and Tomatoes: Add the chopped potatoes and tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Add the Stale Bread: Tear the stale bread into large pieces by hand and add it to the pot, allowing it to soak up the flavors.

6. Cook the Soup: Cover the ingredients with water, just enough to submerge the bread and vegetables. Season with fine salt and black pepper to taste. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the bread has softened completely.

7. Finishing Touches: Once the soup is ready, remove the garlic clove from the pot. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, drizzling a bit more extra virgin olive oil on top if desired.

Tips:

• Stale Bread: This dish is traditionally made with stale bread, which absorbs the flavors of the soup and adds a satisfying texture. If your bread is very dry, you can lightly toast it first to enhance the flavor.
• Turnip Greens: If turnip greens are not available, you can substitute them with other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve your Pancotto del Gargano with a side of rustic cheese or a few slices of cured meat for a hearty meal.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

This simple yet flavorful dish hails from the Gargano region in Puglia, Italy, offering a comforting combination of vegetables and stale bread, perfect for cold weather.