PUREED CHICKPEA SOUP - PASSATO DI CECI

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Pureed Chickpea Soup - Passato di Ceci image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Categories     main-dish

Time 14h25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 pound pancetta, cut in 1/2-inch dice
1 large onion, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice
2 celery ribs, cut in 1/2-inch dice
1 large or 2 small carrots peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice
6 garlic cloves, smashed, divided
2 pinches crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
1 pound chickpeas, soaked in water overnight
2 quarts chicken stock
1 bundle fresh thyme
3 bay leaves
1 quart water
3 sprigs rosemary, leaves finely chopped
5 to 6 (1/2-inch) slices country style bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Steps:

  • Coat a large pot with olive oil, add the pancetta and bring to a medium heat. When the pancetta starts to become crispy, add the onion, celery, carrots, 3 cloves of garlic, pinch of crushed red pepper and season lightly with salt. Sweat the veggies for 6 to 7 minutes or until they become very aromatic and start to soften.
  • Drain the water from the soaked chickpeas, rinse and add to the pot. Add the chicken stock, thyme bundle, bay leaves and 1 quart of water. Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chickpeas are very soft and falling apart, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Turn off the heat, season the water with salt and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Fill a skillet with olive oil until it is about 1/2-inch deep, and the remaining 3 garlic cloves, the rosemary leaves and a pinch of crushed red pepper and bring it to a medium heat. Remove the garlic once it is golden; it has fulfilled its garlic destiny. Add the bread cubes and cook until they start to become crispy and golden. (They will absorb a LOT of the oil. That's why they taste good!) Season with salt and remove the croutons from the oil to a bowl, reserving the rosemary oil. MMMMM!
  • Add the infused oil to the soup. Puree the soup in a food processor, blender or good old fashioned food mill. Correct the consistency and seasoning, if necessary. If the soup is too thick, cook it a little more to reduce it, or thin it by adding more stock or water. Taste to be sure the seasoning is perfect.
  • Ladle the soup into serving bowls, top with the croutons and finish with a large drizzle of olive oil.
  • See ya ladle!

There are no comments yet!