Ingredients for - Hearty Minestrone Soup

1. 1 1/4 c. dried white beans
2. 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3. 2 oz. pancetta
4. 2 medium shallots
5. 2 large celery ribs
6. 1 medium onion
7. 1 large carrot
8. 1/2 fennel bulb
9. 4 clove garlic
10. 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
11. 2 bay leaves
12. 2 tbsp. tomato paste
13. 1 can plum tomatoes
14. 1 qt. low-sodium chicken broth
15. Salt and freshly ground pepper
16. 1 c. baby arugula
17. 1/2 c. flat-leaf parsley leaves
18. 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

How to cook deliciously - Hearty Minestrone Soup

1 . Stage

In a pot, cover beans with 2 inches water and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat until tender, about 2 hours; add water to keep beans covered. Drain beans and reserve cooking liquid.

2 . Stage

Meanwhile, in another pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil. Add pancetta and cook over moderate heat until crisp, 4 minutes. Add shallots, celery, onion, carrot, and fennel, and cook until softened. Add garlic, crushed pepper, and bay leaves and cook, stirring, until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat 1 hour. Add beans and enough cooking liquid to thin out soup. Discard bay leaves; season with salt and pepper.

3 . Stage

In a bowl, toss arugula and parsley with lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve soup in bowls; top with salad.