Giorgione’s Hearty New Year’s Soup Recipe

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Discover Giorgione's delicious zuppa grassa, a traditional New Year's dish featuring pork, lentils, and wild greens for abundance and luck.

Introduction

As the new year dawns, many cultures celebrate with abundant meals that symbolize good fortune and prosperity. In Italy, one such dish is the hearty zuppa grassa, popularized by Giorgione, a beloved Italian chef. This rich soup is not just a meal; it embodies warmth and togetherness—a perfect way to start the year right. With its rustic ingredients and comforting flavors, Giorgione’s zuppa grassa is a staple for festive gatherings.

The Origins of Zuppa Grassa

Originally hailing from the high Susa Valley, zuppa grassa, or soupe grasse, has deep roots in Italian culinary tradition. This dish was traditionally made with humble ingredients often on hand—stale bread and legumes—transforming them into a warm and satisfying meal. Giorgione’s version pays homage to these origins while elevating the flavors with his unique touch.

This soup symbolizes abundance; every spoonful represents hope for a prosperous year ahead. The combination of pork legs, wild greens, and lentils creates a robust flavor profile that comforts the soul during winter months.

Ingredients Needed for Zuppa Grassa

To recreate Giorgione’s zuppa grassa at home, gather the following ingredients:

• For the broth: 1 carrot, 1 onion, 1 celery stalk, 4 pork legs (seasoned with salt, lemon zest & juice), chili for flavor.
• For the greens: 2 garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, chili pepper, a handful of Taggiasca olives in oil, 2 anchovies, minced sausage, 500g of chicory and other wild greens.
• For bread and seasoning: Stale bread cut into cubes and 100g of guanciale (cut into cubes).
• Other: Cooked lentils (200g) and lemon zest for garnish.

These ingredients are essential for capturing the essence of this traditional dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preparing the Broth

1. Start by boiling water with carrot, onion, and celery to create a flavorful broth.
2. Season the pork legs with salt, lemon zest & juice, and chili before wrapping them in casing and tying securely.
3. Simmer in the broth for about an hour until tender.

Cooking the Greens

1. In another pan over medium heat, sauté garlic in extra virgin olive oil along with chili pepper.
2. Add olives and anchovies to infuse flavor before introducing minced sausage; deglaze with white wine.
3. Incorporate cleaned greens into the pan along with some vegetable broth until they are tender but vibrant.

Assembling Zuppa Grassa

1. Toast stale bread cubes in a skillet with crispy guanciale until golden brown.
2. In deep bowls combine pork legs with cooked lentils and sautéed greens before ladling hot broth over everything.
3. Garnish each serving with toasted bread cubes and lemon zest to add freshness.

Tips for Serving Zuppa Grassa

Zuppa grassa can be served as an impressive centerpiece at any New Year’s feast or cozy family dinner. Here are some tips:

• Pair this hearty soup with a robust red wine like Barbera or Chianti to complement its richness.
• Consider offering crusty artisan bread on the side for added texture.
• For those who enjoy spice, provide chili flakes at the table so guests can customize their heat level.

Conclusion

Giorgione’s zuppa grassa is more than just a recipe; it represents traditions filled with love and shared memories around the table during New Year celebrations. By preparing this dish at home using fresh ingredients full of flavor and history,
you’re not only creating a delicious meal but also honoring an age-old tradition that brings families together in celebration of abundance in life.

Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash