White Bean and Vegetable Soup

Vegetarian White Bean and Vegetable Soup Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours and 15 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

White Bean and Vegetable Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and herbs, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

White Bean and Vegetable Soup has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. This recipe is a classic comfort food that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery
2 cloves garlic
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary, crumbled
2 cups sliced carrots
8 small red potatoes, chopped
1 lb (454 g) dried white beans, soaked overnight in enough cold water and drained
5 cups vegetable stock
1 cup white wine
0.5 cup chopped parsley
0.25 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

In a large pot, heat olive oil over moderately high heat. Cook onion, celery, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary, stirring occasionally, until onion and celery are translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then, add carrots, red potatoes, beans, stock, and 5 cups of water. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 2 hours.
Stir in the wine and additional stock or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Remove the bay leaf.
In a blender, purée 2 cups of the soup until smooth and stir it into the soup.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and stir in parsley.
Serve the soup with Parmesan sprinkled over the top.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Use different vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
Add a can of diced tomatoes for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the onions, celery, and herbs until they are translucent to bring out their flavors.

- Puréeing a portion of the soup and adding it back in helps to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.

- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the liquid helps to develop their flavors.

- Simmering the soup covered allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of beans such as cannellini or navy beans.

- Substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 290 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 9g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and is gluten-free.

Summary

White Bean and Vegetable Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is high in fiber, protein, and vitamins. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Summary

White Bean and Vegetable Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with vegetables, beans, and herbs, this soup is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you warm on a chilly day. Enjoy!

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 day, and I had just come home from a long day at work. As I opened the door to my cozy little kitchen, I saw a piece of paper sitting on the counter. Curious, I picked it up and read the words written in my own handwriting: White Bean and Vegetable Soup.

I had no memory of writing down this recipe, but something about it called to me. The ingredients listed were simple yet wholesome: white beans, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices. As I read through the instructions, I could almost taste the warm and comforting flavors melding together in the pot.

I remembered the first time I had tasted a similar soup. It was at a small cafe in the countryside, where the owner, an elderly woman with kind eyes and a warm smile, had served me a bowl of hearty vegetable soup that warmed me from the inside out. I had asked her for the recipe, but she had simply chuckled and said, "Oh my dear, this is a family secret. But I'm sure you'll figure it out on your own."

As I gathered the ingredients and started chopping the vegetables, memories of that cozy little cafe flooded my mind. The sound of the crackling fire in the corner, the smell of freshly baked bread, and the laughter of the other patrons filled my senses. I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me, as if I had been transported back in time to that simpler, more peaceful moment.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its delightful aroma, I couldn't help but smile. This recipe may not have come from my own family, but it felt like a piece of me nonetheless. Each ingredient, each step in the process, was a reflection of my love for cooking and sharing meals with others.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into a bowl and took a hesitant sip. The flavors exploded on my tongue, each bite a symphony of textures and tastes. I closed my eyes and savored the moment, feeling grateful for the simple joys that food can bring.

From that day on, White Bean and Vegetable Soup became a staple in my kitchen. I shared the recipe with friends and family, each one adding their own twist to it. Some added more garlic, others a splash of lemon juice. But no matter how they chose to make it, the soup always brought a smile to their faces and warmth to their hearts.

As the years passed, I continued to collect recipes from various places and people, each one adding to the tapestry of flavors that filled my kitchen. And yet, White Bean and Vegetable Soup remained a constant, a reminder of that fateful day when a simple piece of paper sparked a newfound passion within me.

Now, as I sit by the fire on a cold winter evening, savoring a bowl of my beloved soup, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this moment. Cooking has always been more than just a way to nourish my body; it has been a way to nourish my soul, to connect with others, and to create lasting memories that will linger long after the last spoonful is gone.

So here I am, a grandmother with a treasure trove of recipes and a heart full of stories. And as I take another sip of my White Bean and Vegetable Soup, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment, knowing that the simple act of cooking has brought me so much joy and fulfillment.