CREAMY SPINACH AND PEAR SOUP WITH PANCETTA RECIPE

Great soup, with a fresh hit of spinach and fruity pear and a surprising creaminess for a soup that has no cream whatsoever (for finishing it, with a heaping spoonful of mascarpone cheese).

Total Time    : 30 Mins

Servings      : 4

INGREDIENTS

·         2 ounces Pancetta, cut in small cubes

·         1/2 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup chopped)

·      2 ripe comice or green anjou pears, cored and chopped (ok to leave the skin on)

·         1/2 cup cashews

·         1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

·         4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

·         6 ounces fresh baby spinach

·         2 tablespoons chopped parsley

·         salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

·         1/4 cup mascarpone cheese (optional)

·         olive oil, for drizzling (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add pancetta cubes and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes or until  brown and crispy. With a slotted spoon, transfer cooked pancetta to a paper-towel lined plate, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.

2. Reduce heat to medium and add onions to pan; cook until soft and transluscent, about 5 to 7 minutes.

3.   Add chopped pears, cashews, and coriander and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring soup to a simmer and let simmer the soup for 5 minutes or until pears are softened.

4.   Add spinach and parsley and simmer for 1 minute more or until spinach is completely wilted. Remove from heat.

5.  Transfer soup to blender, working in batches if necessary, and puree until smooth and creamy (use caution when blending hot liquids). Return to saucepan and set over medium heat to rewarm. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a creamier soup, stir in 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese until melted and smooth.

6.   Divide among serving bowls. Drizzle with olive oil (if desired), and sprinkle with pancetta bits. Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping.

Recipe from loveandoliveoil.com

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