Ribollita means reboiled, and it's built to use good stale bread and cannellini, not waste them. The defining move: tear day-old bread into the pot and let it simmer until it dissolves and thickens the whole thing to a stew you can stand a spoon in.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook70 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineItalian
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Cannellini beans
Half stay whole, half get mashed to thicken; good dried beans hold up either way.
Build the soffrittoSoften the onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil, then add the crushed tomatoes and cook 5 minutes.
Simmer with kaleAdd the beans, the parmesan rind, the torn kale, and 4 cups water. Simmer 30 minutes until the kale goes soft and dark.
Add the breadStir in the torn bread and cook another 20 minutes, stirring, until it breaks down and the soup turns thick and rough.
Reboil to serveTraditionally you rest it and reboil the next day, which is where the name comes from. Serve with grated parmesan and a hard pour of raw oil.
Can you make Ribollita in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Ribollita? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Ribollita ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Ribollita gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is Ribollita vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Community Notes
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