Zuppa Contadina
08 March 2026
Cucina povera is a traditional Italian culinary philosophy that transforms simple, seasonal, and affordable ingredients into hearty, flavorful meals. Originating from necessity, it emphasizes resourcefulness, sustainability, and minimal waste, using staples like bread, pasta, legumes, and vegetables, with a bit of meat.
Total time -
About 90 minutes
INGREDIENTS -
Serves 6 - 8
1 whole chicken (4 - 5 pounds)
8 ounces short grain rice or pastina
2 large russet potatoes
4 cups chopped Tuscan Kale
2 medium white onions
1 pound carrots
2 cups celery with leaves (about 4 stalks)
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon oregano
5 large peeled garlic cloves
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup torn fresh parsley
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Crusty bread (optional)
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Maldon flaky salt to finish
Tomato based variation -
1 whole chicken (4 - 5 pounds)
8 ounces short grain rice or pastina
3 diced fresh tomatoes or 14.5 ounce can of fire roasted tomatoes
2 large russet potatoes
2 medium white onions
1 tablespoon dried basil
5 large peeled garlic cloves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Crusty bread (optional)
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Maldon flaky salt to finish
TOOLS -
Dutch oven or stockpot
Pepper Mill
Cheese grater
PREPARATION -
Thoroughly wash and quarter chicken and place into pot with roughly chopped carrots, onions, potatoes, kale, celery with leaves, and remaining ingredients except for rice - fill with cold water until fully submerged by about an inch
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer for 60 to 90 minutes until vegetables are tender and the chicken falls off the bone
Remove all chicken bones from pot, and add rice
When meat is cool enough to handle, strip meat from bone. Using two forks to pull the meat apart into soft chunks. Use a knife to cut meat with skin into bite-size pieces if necessary
Simmer until rice is soft and plump
Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh or dried herbs, fresh ground pepper, Maldon finishing flake salt, grated Parmesan, and crusty bread
NOTES -
Zuppa Contadina (or Zuppa del Contadino), meaning "farmer's soup" or "peasant soup," is a hearty, traditional Italian rustic stew made from local produce, leftovers, or whatever may be available in the pantry. It’s a nutritious, fiber-rich, and affordable dish, often served with crusty bread and parmesan cheese.
