White Beans with Salt Pork

Place beans and baking soda in a large bowl. Add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Let soak, overnight, at room temperature.

If using salt pork, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt pork and cook for 10 minutes. Drain and let cool.

Cut salt pork or pancetta into 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover by 1/2 inch. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add rosemary and continue cooking until tender, adding more water as necessary to keep meat covered by 1/4 inch, about 30 minutes for salt pork or 10 minutes for pancetta. Remove from heat and set aside.

Drain beans and place in a medium saucepan. Add enough fresh water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until tender, about 35 minutes, skimming any impurities that rise to the surface. Remove from heat and set aside.

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, prosciutto, and parsley; cook, stirring, until onion and garlic are lightly golden, about 8 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain salt pork or pancetta and add to pan, along with beans and their cooking liquid. Bring to a simmer, skimming surface as necessary. Partially cover saucepan, reduce heat and gently simmer until beans are tender and salt pork is translucent, about 20 minutes.

Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt; serve with bread.