Hearty Italian Potato Soup with Carnaroli Rice and Fresh Herbs

Potato Soup (Minestra di Patate)
Category: Soups
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: Begin by bringing your vegetable broth to a gentle boil in a large pot. Ensure that the broth is well-seasoned for maximum flavor. This will be the base for your soup, providing the depth and richness to the final dish.

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2. Make the Sofrito: While the broth heats up, finely chop the white onion. In a separate pan, sauté the onion with a splash of olive oil over medium heat until it becomes translucent and aromatic. This will infuse the soup with a gentle sweetness and savory depth. Once the onions are ready, set them aside.

3. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are evenly sized to cook at the same rate. These potatoes will provide the hearty base of the soup.

4. Combine Ingredients: Once the broth is boiling, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Tie the fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs together with a piece of kitchen twine, leaving one sprig of thyme aside for later. Drop the bouquet of herbs into the soup, allowing the herbs to infuse their flavors into the broth.

5. Simmer the Potatoes: Cover the pot and allow the potatoes to simmer for about 20 minutes. The potatoes should become tender and absorb the aromatic flavors of the herbs. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the herb bouquet with tongs to avoid any lingering twigs in the soup.

6. Add the Rice: Stir in the Carnaroli rice, which will soak up the flavors while adding creaminess to the soup. If you prefer, you can substitute Arborio rice, though Carnaroli tends to hold its shape better during the cooking process. Pour in additional hot broth to ensure that the rice is fully submerged.

7. Season the Soup: Add the tomato paste, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir gently to incorporate the tomato paste into the soup, giving it a slight tang and rich color.

8. Finish the Soup: After the rice has cooked for about 10 minutes, stir in the fresh thyme leaves from the sprig you reserved earlier. The thyme will add a final burst of flavor just before serving.

9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring a good balance of potatoes, rice, and broth in each serving. Sprinkle with freshly grated Grana Padano DOP cheese for a creamy, nutty finish.

10. Enjoy: Serve hot as a satisfying first course or light meal. This hearty potato soup, enriched with rice and aromatic herbs, is perfect for any season and will surely warm you from the inside out.

This Potato Soup, or Minestra di Patate, is a traditional Italian dish that offers comfort with every spoonful. The combination of soft potatoes, creamy rice, and fresh herbs makes it a nourishing and flavorful experience. It’s a perfect addition to your recipe collection for those seeking an authentic Italian dish that’s simple to prepare yet packed with wholesome goodness.