📖 Instructions

1. Prepare the Aromatics: Dice the pancetta (if using) and finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the Pancetta and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
3. Add Aromatics to Skillet: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables and pancetta fat to the slow cooker.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, cannellini beans (drained and rinsed), chopped kale or Swiss chard, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
6. Stir and Cook: Stir all the ingredients together well. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are very tender and the flavors have melded.
7. Add Bread: During the last hour of cooking, tear or cut the stale bread into bite-sized pieces and stir it into the slow cooker. This will help thicken the stew. If the stew becomes too thick, add a little extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that flavors will intensify as the stew sits.
9. Serve: Ladle the ribollita into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and the reserved crispy pancetta (if using). Serve hot with extra crusty bread for dipping.
10. Optional Additions: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a Parmesan rind to the slow cooker during the cooking process. Remove it before serving. You could also add a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
11. Consider stirring in some cooked pasta, like ditalini or elbow macaroni, during the last 30 minutes of cooking to make it even heartier.
12. Dont forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!!