Certainly! Here’s a delightful recipe for Italian Cupboard Soup that’s sure to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. This flavorful concoction combines tender pork, hearty beans, and vibrant vegetables in a savory broth, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Italian Cupboard Soup 🍲
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless pork loin steaks
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) chopped tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans
- 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern beans
- 8 oz fresh spinach leaves
- Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, for serving
Instructions:
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Brown the Pork: Start by heating a deep saucepan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan, then brown the boneless pork loin steaks on all sides until they develop a golden crust, about 3-4 minutes per side.
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Add Broth and Vegetables: Once the pork is nicely browned, pour in the chicken broth, followed by the chopped tomatoes, cannellini beans, and great northern beans. If you prefer, you can also add finely chopped onion for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
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Simmer: Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender.
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Add Spinach: After simmering for 15 minutes, stir in the fresh spinach leaves. Let them wilt into the soup for about 2 minutes, just until they’re bright green and tender.
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Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese. The cheese adds a deliciously salty kick that complements the savory flavors of the soup perfectly.
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Enjoy! Serve your Italian Cupboard Soup piping hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Sit back, relax, and savor every spoonful of this comforting dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 197.5
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 732.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 31.7g
- Fiber: 7.9g
- Sugar: 4.9g
- Protein: 15g
Recipe Notes:
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Customize Your Soup: Feel free to customize this soup to suit your tastes. You can add additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
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Make it Vegetarian: If you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the pork and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get plenty of protein and flavor from the beans and vegetables.
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Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container once it has cooled completely. You can also freeze individual portions for longer storage, making it perfect for meal prep.
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Serve with Bread: For a heartier meal, serve your Italian Cupboard Soup with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
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Share and Enjoy: This Italian Cupboard Soup is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this soup is sure to be a hit with everyone around the table. So gather your loved ones, serve up a steaming bowl of soup, and enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of Italy right in your own home. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🥣