Tuscan Caramelized Onion and Pancetta Soup
Experience the rich flavors of Tuscany in this comforting onion soup, bursting with the sweetness of caramelized white onions and the savory depth of pancetta. Each bowl is a warm embrace, featuring crispy Italian bread croutons slathered in soft butter and generously topped with melted Swiss cheese. A splash of white wine adds a touch of elegance to this hearty dish, making it perfect for a cozy evening. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or enjoying it as a main course, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.
4
Servings
212
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
pancetta
1/2 cup (diced)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
white onions
4 large (thinly sliced)
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 3/4 cups (none)
dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
ciabatta bread
4 slices (other Italian bread can be used)
soft butter
3 tablespoons (none)
Swiss cheese
3/4 cup (coarsely grated)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, sauté the diced pancetta over medium heat until it's golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
2
Add the olive oil to the pan with the pancetta fat, then add the thinly sliced onions. Cook over high heat for about 4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
3
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic. Cover the pan and cook the onions until they are soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally, for approximately 20-25 minutes.
4
Once the onions are caramelized, pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth, followed by the reserved pancetta, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
While the soup is simmering, preheat your broiler to high. Toast the slices of ciabatta or other Italian bread on both sides until golden brown.
6
Spread the soft butter generously on one side of each toast slice, sprinkle with the coarsely grated Swiss cheese, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
7
To serve, ladle the hot soup into four bowls and top each with the cheesy croutons. Enjoy this delightful Tuscan-inspired dish!
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
17g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tuscan Caramelized Onion and Pancetta Soup?
It is a rich, Tuscan-inspired soup featuring sweet caramelized white onions, savory pancetta, and cheesy Italian bread croutons.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the soup base?
The base consists of pancetta, olive oil, four large white onions, minced garlic, and reduced-sodium chicken broth.
How long does it take to cook the pancetta?
The diced pancetta should be sautéed over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
What type of onions are recommended for this recipe?
Four large white onions are recommended for their sweetness once caramelized.
How long do the onions need to caramelize?
After a 4-minute initial cook on high, the onions should be covered and cooked on low for approximately 20-25 minutes.
What kind of broth is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 3 3/4 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth.
Can I use a different type of bread for the croutons?
Yes, while ciabatta is suggested, other types of Italian bread can be used.
What cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of coarsely grated Swiss cheese.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 212 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 17 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This soup provides 10 grams of protein per serving.
How do I prepare the garlic for the soup?
The garlic should be minced (3 cloves) and added to the onions before caramelizing.
What is the purpose of the pancetta fat?
The rendered fat from the pancetta is left in the pan to add depth and flavor while cooking the onions.
How long should the soup simmer after adding the broth?
The soup should simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
One teaspoon of dried parsley flakes is used for seasoning.
How is the bread prepared for the croutons?
Slices of bread are toasted on both sides, buttered, topped with cheese, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
What broiler setting should I use for the croutons?
The broiler should be set to high.
How much butter is needed for the bread slices?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of soft butter.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and fresh ground pepper are added to taste.
Can I use regular bacon instead of pancetta?
Yes, bacon can be used as a substitute for pancetta, though it will add a smokier flavor.
Why is the pan covered during the onion cooking process?
Covering the pan helps the onions soften and steam slightly, which aids in the caramelization process.
Is there white wine in this recipe?
The description mentions a splash of white wine for elegance, though it is optional in the ingredients list.
How should the croutons be served?
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each immediately with the prepared cheesy croutons.
Can this soup be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance, but it is best to make the croutons fresh before serving.
How much pancetta do I need?
You will need 1/2 cup of diced pancetta.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 11 distinct ingredients listed for this soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the pancetta or use a plant-based alternative.
What makes this soup 'Tuscan' style?
The combination of white onions, pancetta, and ciabatta bread reflects traditional flavors and ingredients found in Tuscan cuisine.