1fennel bulb,, sliced thinly (add an additional two celery stalks if you don’t have fennel)
1yellow onion, diced
2-3celery stalks, sliced thinly
4garlic cloves, minced
1teaspoonfennel seeds
1teaspoonmustard seeds
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
Sea salt, to taste
2handful of greens, 5 ounces
4slicesrustic bread, cut into bite size croutons
1/4cupgrated fresh parmesan or gruyere cheese
Fresh herbs, for topping and garnish
Instructions
Make the Broth & Cook the Beans:
In instant pot, add beans, parmesan rind, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, and bay leaf.
Add 5 cups water. Cook at high pressure for 32 minutes and let naturally release. The beans will be cooked, but have a bit of a tie to them- don’t worry. You’ll be cooking them further. IMPORTANT: You want to save both the cooking broth and the beans!
Removing the herbs and parmesan: I personally found it easiest to use some tongs to remove the sprigs and the parmesan rinds. If a few leaves get loose, it’s fine. If that bothers you, you can choose to pour this into a bowl and strain with a colander; then pick out the herbs.
Make the Rest of the Soup:
While you can continue this in the instant pot, I personally feel like finishing this in a pot is worth it- yes, it’s another pot to wash, but you can control the heat a lot more. The saute method on the instant pot only has one option, meaning you can’t adjust it as much.
Get a 3 1/2 to 4 quart pot and put over low to medium heat. Generously coat with olive oil. Once hot, add in fennel, onion, celery, and garlic. Stir occasionally and saute until onion is beginning to brown, about 5ish minutes.
Add in fennel seeds, mustard seeds, black pepper, and sea salt. Saute for an additional minute.
Add in beans and cooking liquid. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Add in greens and simmer until greens are wilted, about 2-3 more minutes.
Preheat broiler. Sprinkle grated cheese over bread and place on top rack. Broil under cheese is melted and just beginning to brown.
Add fresh herbs (optional- I just tossed in some dill and parsley) and top with cheesy croutons.