Introduction
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a wholesome and hearty dish that perfectly captures the essence of Italian cuisine. This comforting soup is packed with nutritious ingredients, making it an ideal meal for any time of the year. With its creamy texture and robust flavors, it’s a delightful way to warm up on a chilly day.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
– Yellow onion: 1, diced
– Carrots: 2, diced
– Celery stalks: 2, diced
– Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
– Vegetable broth: 6 cups
– Canned white beans: 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
– Kale: 2 cups, chopped
– Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
– Dried rosemary: 1 teaspoon
– Salt: to taste
– Black pepper: to taste
– Lemon juice: from 1 lemon
– Parmesan cheese: for serving (optional)
Prep Time
Preparation for this rustic Tuscan soup should take about 15 minutes. It is simple to prepare, requiring only minimal chopping and measuring of ingredients.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is approximately 30 minutes, bringing the total time to about 45 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it perfect for family meals or leftovers for the week ahead. With its satisfying flavors and nutritious content, it’s a dish you’ll want to make repeatedly.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic, and set all the vegetables aside for later use.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Beans
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot.
Step 4: Season the Soup
Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and season the broth with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Step 5: Blend the Soup (Optional)
For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup. This step is optional; you can also leave the soup chunky if preferred.
Step 6: Add Greens
Incorporate the fresh spinach into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir until the spinach wilts.
Step 7: Final Adjustments
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Storage
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for longer storage.
Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or kale for additional nutrition and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Adding grated parmesan on top can enhance the flavor.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option
This recipe is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring the broth used is vegetable-based.
Cook techniques
Sauteing
Sauteing is a cooking method that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. This technique is used to bring out the flavors of the vegetables in the soup, such as onions and garlic, making them aromatic and tender.
Simmering
Simmering is a gentle cooking method that allows ingredients to cook slowly in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. This technique helps the flavors of the soup meld together and the beans to become tender while absorbing the broth.
Mashing
Mashing involves crushing one or more ingredients to create a smoother texture. In Tuscan White Bean Soup, some beans can be mashed to thicken the soup and create a creamy consistency without adding dairy.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the technique of adding decorative elements to a dish before serving. Fresh herbs, like parsley or rosemary, can be used to enhance the visual appeal and freshness of the Tuscan White Bean Soup.
FAQ
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Just rinse and drain them before adding them to the soup.
What can I substitute for vegetable broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use chicken broth or water with added seasoning for flavor.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely and store it in airtight containers.
Can I add meat to the soup?
Absolutely! Adding cooked sausage or chicken can enhance the flavor and protein content of the soup.
How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring some heat to the soup.
Conclusion
This Tuscan white bean soup is a delightful and nourishing dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine to your table. Packed with wholesome ingredients and rich flavors, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch. Not only is it comforting, but it’s also a great way to incorporate healthy beans and vegetables into your diet.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Soup
A hearty vegetable soup can be made by adding your choice of seasonal vegetables for a burst of flavor and nutrition.
Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup
Enhance the flavor profile by adding Italian sausage, which complements the beans perfectly and adds extra depth to the soup.
Spinach and Kale Addition
Incorporate fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added greens and nutrients.
Garlic Bread on the Side
Serve the soup with a side of crispy garlic bread for a satisfying and complete meal.
Chili Flakes for Heat
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, sprinkle some chili flakes on top for a kick of heat.
Parmesan Cheese Topping
Grate some Parmesan cheese over the soup just before serving to add a salty and savory touch that enhances the overall flavor.
Herb Variations
Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, basil, or rosemary to customize the soup to your taste preferences.
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