Italian White Bean Soup with Greens

Italian White Bean Soup with Greens Recipe - Authentic and Flavorful

Region / culture: Italy, Switzerland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Italian White Bean Soup with Greens is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with flavor from the combination of kale, white beans, and garlic, and is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Italian cuisine, where soups are a staple in many households. The combination of greens and beans is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) swiss chard, escarole, or beet leaves, trimmed (I used kale)
6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (I used half of each)
1-5 cloves garlic (I used at least 5 cloves)
1 cup cooked white beans or canned white beans (I used great northern beans; cannellini or other white beans would work too)
kosher salt, to taste
white pepper, to taste
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (to finish)
red pepper flakes (for garnish)

How to prepare

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Boil the greens for about 5 minutes, just until tender, and then plunge them into water to stop cooking.
Squeeze out as much water as possible and set them aside (you can do this step before making the rest of the soup).
Bring the broth to a simmer in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add the garlic, greens, and beans (if using canned, rinse and drain to remove the excess sodium!). Simmer gently for about ten minutes, partially covered.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Ladle the soup into bowls.
Serve with cheese and pepper flakes on the side.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes for a touch of acidity.
Use spinach or Swiss chard instead of kale for a different flavor profile.
Add cooked pasta or rice for a heartier soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the greens before adding them to the soup to prevent the broth from becoming too watery.

- If using canned beans, be sure to rinse and drain them to remove excess sodium.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of greens you have on hand, such as spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens.

- Substitute cannellini beans for white beans if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Italian White Bean Soup with Greens contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Italian White Bean Soup with Greens contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Italian White Bean Soup with Greens contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Italian White Bean Soup with Greens contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron from the kale.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of parmesan cheese. It may also contain gluten if served with bread.

Summary

Italian White Bean Soup with Greens is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.

Summary

Italian White Bean Soup with Greens is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a cold winter's day and I had been invited over to a dear friend's house for lunch. As I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was immediately enveloped in the warm, savory scent of simmering soup.

My friend, Maria, greeted me with a smile and a hug. She was a petite Italian woman with a passion for cooking that was evident in every dish she prepared. As we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, she stirred a pot of bubbling soup on the stove.

"What are you making, Maria?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Italian White Bean Soup with Greens," she replied, a twinkle in her eye. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly agreed, and Maria began to instruct me on the art of making this delicious soup. She explained that the key to its rich flavor was in the slow simmering of the beans with garlic, onions, and herbs. She also stressed the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as cannellini beans, kale, and Parmesan cheese.

As the soup simmered away, Maria shared stories of her childhood in Italy and how her mother used to make this soup for her and her siblings on cold winter nights. She spoke of the simple pleasures of sitting around the table with her family, sharing a hearty meal and laughter.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and savoring the aroma of the soup as it filled the kitchen. I could feel the love and tradition that went into this recipe, and I knew that I wanted to carry on that legacy in my own kitchen.

After a few hours of simmering and stirring, the soup was finally ready. Maria ladled it into bowls and sprinkled each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. We sat down at the table and took our first spoonfuls, savoring the warm, comforting flavors of the soup.

As I tasted the creamy beans, tender greens, and savory broth, I felt a sense of connection to Maria's family and her heritage. I could almost imagine myself sitting at a table in a small Italian village, surrounded by loved ones and sharing in the simple joy of a delicious meal.

From that day on, Italian White Bean Soup with Greens became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for my family and friends, sharing the recipe and stories that Maria had passed down to me. Each time I cooked the soup, I felt a connection to the past and a sense of pride in carrying on a tradition that had been handed down through generations.

As I grew older, I continued to collect recipes and cooking tips from various places and people. I learned new techniques and flavors, but the Italian White Bean Soup with Greens remained a favorite among my repertoire. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will feel the same sense of joy and connection that I do when you make this soup. May it warm your heart and soul, and may it remind you of the love and traditions that have been woven into our family for generations. Mangia!