I’ve swapped the pancetta in this recipe for some Calabrese Salami which gives it quite a kick. You could use a milder salami if desired. You can also substitute canned tomatoes as well.
4 oz pancetta slices roughly chopped (any rinds removed)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 1/2 lb onions, thinly sliced
2 tsp sugar
about 5 cups chicken stock
12 oz ripe Italian plum tomatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
a few basil leaves, shredded
salt and freshly ground pepper
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Put the chopped pancetta in a large sauce pan and heat gently, stirring constantly, until the fat runs. Increase the heat to medium and add the oil, butter, onions and sugar. Stir well to mix.
Half cover the pan and cook the onions gently until golden (about 20 minutes) then add the stock, tomatoes and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring, then lower the heat, half cover the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes. Add a bit mire water or stock if the soup is too thick.
Just before serving stir in most of the basil and season to taste. Serve hot garnished with the remaining shredded basil and the grated Parmesan separately.