Zuppa Italiano

Zuppa Italiano Recipe - Traditional Soup from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Zuppa Italiano is a hearty and flavorful Italian soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and rice, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

History

Zuppa Italiano has its roots in traditional Italian cuisine, where soups are a staple in many households. This recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to make it their own.

Ingredients

1 cup sliced celery
0.5 cup uncooked rice
0.5 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 tsp marjoram
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
6 cups chicken broth
1 x 14.5 to 16 oz (454 g) can peeled whole tomatoes, chopped
1 x 10 oz (283 g) package frozen Italian-style vegetables
1 x 15.5 oz (439 g) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained

How to prepare

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine celery, rice, onion, garlic, marjoram, pepper, and broth. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add tomatoes, vegetables, and beans. Return to a boil and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables and rice are tender.

Variations

Add cooked Italian sausage for a meatier version of this soup.
Swap out the great northern beans for cannellini beans for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop your vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.

- For a richer flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the soup.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Zuppa Italiano with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a simple simmering technique to cook the vegetables and rice until tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping out the vegetables for your favorites or using different types of beans.

Make Ahead Tips

Zuppa Italiano 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

Serve Zuppa Italiano in a rustic bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Zuppa Italiano with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti, for a classic Italian meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Zuppa Italiano in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Zuppa Italiano contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Zuppa Italiano contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Zuppa Italiano contains approximately 2 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Zuppa Italiano contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Zuppa Italiano is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check the labels on your ingredients for any potential allergens.

Summary

Zuppa Italiano is a nutritious and balanced meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. It is packed with vegetables, beans, and rice, making it a satisfying and delicious option for dinner.

Summary

Zuppa Italiano is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with vegetables, beans, and rice, this soup is nutritious and satisfying. Customize this recipe to make it your own and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own home.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Zuppa Italiano. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was known far and wide for her delicious cooking, and she had a special knack for creating comforting soups that warmed the soul.

One chilly autumn afternoon, I had come home from school to find Nonna Maria bustling about in the kitchen, a pot bubbling away on the stove. The enticing aroma of herbs and vegetables filled the air, and I couldn't resist peeking over her shoulder to see what she was making.

Nonna Maria smiled at me and beckoned me closer. "Ah, mia cara," she said, "today we are making Zuppa Italiano. It is a hearty soup filled with beans, vegetables, and pasta - a true taste of Italy."

I watched in awe as Nonna Maria deftly chopped vegetables, stirred in fragrant herbs, and added a generous helping of beans to the pot. It seemed like a simple enough recipe, but I could tell that there was something special about the way Nonna Maria cooked - a touch of love and tradition that made her dishes truly unforgettable.

As the soup simmered on the stove, Nonna Maria regaled me with stories of her own childhood, learning to cook from her own grandmother in the rolling hills of Tuscany. She spoke of long days spent in the kitchen, kneading dough for fresh bread, stirring pots of bubbling sauce, and picking fresh herbs from the garden.

I listened intently, soaking up every word as if it were a precious treasure. Nonna Maria's stories were like a window into a world long gone, a world where food was made with care and love, and each meal was a celebration of family and tradition.

When the soup was finally ready, Nonna Maria ladled out steaming bowls for us to enjoy. I took a tentative sip, and my taste buds exploded with a symphony of flavors - the rich broth, the tender vegetables, the hearty beans. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a perfect blend of savory and comforting that warmed me down to my toes.

From that day on, Zuppa Italiano became a staple in our household. Nonna Maria would make it whenever the weather turned cold or whenever we needed a comforting meal to soothe our souls. She taught me how to make it myself, passing down the recipe with all the love and tradition that she had learned from her own grandmother.

Over the years, I have made Zuppa Italiano countless times, each batch a tribute to the generations of strong, passionate women who came before me. I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs and spices, but the heart of the soup remains the same - a simple, humble dish that brings joy and comfort to all who taste it.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of Zuppa Italiano on my own stove, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The smell of garlic and onions, the sound of bubbling broth, the taste of tradition and love. This soup is more than just a recipe - it is a connection to my past, a link to my roots, a reminder of the strong, passionate women who have shaped me into the cook I am today.

And so, as I serve up bowls of steaming Zuppa Italiano to my own family, I pass down the tradition, the love, and the memories that have been woven into every spoonful. Nonna Maria may be gone now, but her spirit lives on in every pot of soup I make, in every bite of comfort and joy that I share with those I love. Zuppa Italiano is more than just a dish - it is a legacy, a testament to the power of food to connect us, to nourish us, and to remind us of who we are and where we come from. Grazie, Nonna Maria, for teaching me how to make this soup - and for showing me that the most important ingredient of all is love. Buon appetito!