White Bean Soup with Vegetables

White Bean Soup with Vegetables Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

White Bean Soup with Vegetables is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day. This recipe is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

History

White Bean Soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. Beans have long been a source of protein and sustenance for people around the world. This particular recipe combines the creamy texture of white beans with the sweetness of carrots, parsnips, and potatoes to create a delicious and comforting soup.

Ingredients

1 cup navy, pea, or other dried white beans, washed and picked over
6 cups chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or water, plus more if necessary
2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
1 medium turnip or parsnip, peeled and roughly chopped
1 potato, peeled and roughly chopped
1 celery stalk, roughly chopped
3 or 4 sprigs fresh parsley, plus minced fresh parsley leaves for garnish
0.5 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme leaves or 0.5 tsp dried
2 tbsp butter or extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to prepare

Place the beans and stock or water in a large saucepan or casserole. Turn the heat to medium-high. Add the carrots, turnip, potato, celery, parsley, and herbs.
When it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and partially cover.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very soft, for at least 1 hour.
Put the mixture through a food mill or strainer, or puree it in a blender. You may prepare the soup in advance up to this point. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat before proceeding.
Reheat the soup, adding more stock or water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
Stir in the butter or oil. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish and serve.

Variations

Add a can of diced tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Stir in some cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Mix in some spinach or kale for added greens.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans overnight can help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

- Adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end of cooking can brighten the flavors of the soup.

- For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup in a blender before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the White Bean Soup with Vegetables with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal. You can also top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Use a food mill or blender to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

- Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of white beans, such as cannellini or great northern beans.

- Substitute other root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or turnips, for the carrots and parsnips.

- Use vegetable broth or chicken broth instead of water for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove before serving, adding more stock or water as needed to reach the desired consistency.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the White Bean Soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve it in a rustic bowl with a slice of crusty bread on the side for a cozy and inviting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the White Bean Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A glass of white wine or a cup of herbal tea would also complement the flavors of the soup nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add more stock or water as needed to reach the desired consistency.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

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

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of White Bean Soup with Vegetables contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of White Bean Soup with Vegetables contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

White beans are a good source of folate, iron, and magnesium. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, while parsnips provide vitamin C and potassium. This soup is a great way to get a variety of essential vitamins and minerals in one delicious dish.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. However, if you have a nut allergy, be sure to check the ingredients in the stock or water you use.

Summary

White Bean Soup with Vegetables is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and delicious meal.

Summary

White Bean Soup with Vegetables is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, this soup is a healthy and satisfying option for any occasion. Enjoy a bowl of this hearty soup on a cold day for a warm and comforting meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for White Bean Soup with Vegetables. It was a chilly autumn day, with the leaves falling gently from the trees and a crisp breeze in the air. I had just returned from a trip to the farmers market, where I had picked up fresh white beans, carrots, celery, and onions.

As I unpacked my bags and laid out my ingredients on the kitchen counter, I suddenly remembered a conversation I had with an old friend many years ago. She had shared with me her secret recipe for a hearty and delicious white bean soup that was perfect for cool fall days. I rummaged through my recipe box and found the faded note she had given me all those years ago.

I carefully read through the instructions, taking note of the precise measurements and cooking techniques. The recipe called for simmering the white beans with diced carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and a handful of fresh herbs until they were tender and flavorful. It was a simple yet comforting dish that was sure to warm the soul.

I set to work in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and sautéing them in a large pot until they were soft and fragrant. I added the white beans and covered them with water, allowing them to simmer for hours until they were creamy and tender. The aroma of the soup filled the kitchen, enticing me with its comforting scent.

As I ladled the steaming soup into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. This recipe was more than just a delicious meal – it was a connection to my past, a reminder of all the friends and family who had shared their culinary secrets with me over the years.

I sat down at the kitchen table and took a sip of the soup, savoring the rich flavors and hearty textures. It was everything I had hoped for and more – a warm and comforting dish that filled me with a sense of contentment and joy.

As I finished my bowl of soup, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to nourish both body and soul, and to create lasting memories that would endure for generations.

And so, I made a promise to myself that day – to continue cooking and sharing this recipe with my loved ones, passing down the tradition of White Bean Soup with Vegetables for years to come. Because food is more than just sustenance – it is a gift, a legacy, and a way to connect with those we hold dear.