Farinata Lucchese in Jar Cooking (Vasocottura) Recipe
Category: First Courses
Servings: 4
Farinata Lucchese is a traditional Tuscan dish, enriched with an array of vegetables, legumes, and flavorful herbs. This version, cooked in jars (known as vasocottura), provides a cozy, rustic meal that preserves the ingredients’ natural flavors while giving you a wonderful, stewed effect. The hearty, comforting texture makes it perfect for a light yet filling meal. Below, we will guide you through the step-by-step process to create this delightful dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cavolo nero (Tuscan kale) | 80g |
| Pre-cooked cannellini beans | 350g |
| Potatoes | 125g |
| Red onions | 70g |
| Carrots | 50g |
| Celery | 40g |
| Cornmeal (fine ground) | 65g |
| Vegetable broth | q.b. (as needed) |
| Tomato passata | 2 tablespoons |
| Rosemary | q.b. (to taste) |
| Wild fennel (finocchietto selvatico) | q.b. (to taste) |
| Dried chili pepper | ¼ piece |
| Extra virgin olive oil | q.b. (as needed) |
| Fine salt | q.b. (to taste) |
| Black pepper | q.b. (to taste) |
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Begin by thoroughly washing and cleaning all the vegetables. Remove the tough stems from the kale and chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Peel the carrots, cut them into sticks, and then slice them into smaller pieces. Follow the same process for the celery. Peel and chop the red onions, then set them aside.
Next, peel the potatoes and cut them into halves. Slice each half into thin rounds and then into matchsticks of approximately 0.7 cm. Finally, chop them into small cubes.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth and Beans
Drain the pre-cooked cannellini beans and set them aside. In a blender or with a hand blender (minipimer), combine about 4 ladles of hot vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons of tomato passata, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, a pinch of salt, and a dash of dried chili pepper. Blend until smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Pour the blended vegetable broth mixture into a large bowl. Slowly add the cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the cornmeal is well mixed in, add a few cubes of potatoes, a handful of whole beans, and some of the kale to the mix. Continue stirring until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Assemble in Jars
Next, it’s time to fill the jars. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil at the bottom of each jar. Then, carefully fill each jar with the prepared mixture, making sure to leave about 2 cm of space at the top for expansion during cooking. Top with a generous grating of black pepper and more wild fennel (finocchietto selvatico) to enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Seal and Cook
Close the jars tightly, ensuring they are sealed securely. For the vasocottura technique, place the jars in a large pot filled with water, ensuring the water level is just below the lid of the jars. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 45-60 minutes. The jars will gently steam in the water, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove the jars from the pot using tongs or a jar lifter. Let them cool for a few minutes before opening. To open, hold the jar firmly with one hand while gently pulling on the rubber seal with the other.
Serve the hearty farinata lucchese in jars with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh black pepper, and a few sprigs of rosemary for a delightful touch of elegance. This dish pairs wonderfully with rustic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Additional Tips:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or leeks, to tailor the dish to your taste.
- Broth Options: While vegetable broth is traditional, you can opt for chicken or beef broth for a richer flavor profile.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the jars and the heat of your stovetop. If needed, cook for an additional 10-15 minutes for a softer consistency.
Enjoy this cozy Tuscan-inspired dish, where simplicity meets incredible flavors, all brought to life with the unique method of vasocottura.
This Farinata Lucchese in Jar Cooking (Vasocottura) is an ideal option for anyone looking to explore traditional Italian cuisine in a modern and innovative way. It’s perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal in a jar whenever you desire!
