Pancotto del Gargano Recipe
Category: First Courses
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Stale bread | 290g |
| Turnip greens (cime di rapa) | 650g |
| Potatoes | 440g |
| Ripe tomatoes | 220g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Water | To taste |
Instructions:
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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.
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Prepare the Tomatoes: Rinse the tomatoes thoroughly and cut them into large chunks.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
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.
