Rustic Lamb Soup from Florence (Minestra Dagnello)
Overview
This rustic lamb soup from Florence, known as Minestra Dagnello, is perfect for cozy evenings, especially on rainy days. It features tender ground lamb simmered with vegetables in white burgundy wine, giving it a subtly sweet undertone that blends beautifully with the savory ingredients. Despite the addition of wine, the soup remains family-friendly and comforting, making it ideal for chilly winter nights.
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 300g lean ground lamb
- 200g tomatoes
- 200g onion
- 1/2 carrot
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 liter broth (your choice of beef or vegetable)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
-
Preparation:
- Finely chop the celery, carrot, and onion.
- Mince the garlic clove.
- Dice the tomatoes.
-
Cooking:
- In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped celery, carrot, and onion to the pot. Sauté until the onion begins to soften and change color.
-
Adding Lamb:
- Add the ground lamb to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is browned and cooked through.
-
Deglazing with Wine:
- Pour in the white wine. Allow it to simmer and reduce until almost evaporated, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the soup with a hint of sweetness from the wine.
-
Simmering with Tomatoes:
- Add the diced tomatoes and minced garlic to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.
-
Adding Broth:
- Pour in the broth. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 15 minutes, ensuring all flavors are well-incorporated.
-
Final Touches:
- If desired, add your choice of noodles to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
-
Serving:
- Ladle the rustic lamb soup into bowls.
- Garnish with freshly ground pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 367.8
- Total Fat: 20.5g
- Saturated Fat: 6.7g
- Cholesterol: 65.1mg
- Sodium: 995.1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3.5g
- Protein: 14.4g
Tips for Success
- Ensure the wine has evaporated almost completely before adding the tomatoes to avoid a raw alcohol taste.
- Use a good quality broth to enhance the depth of flavor in the soup.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
This Minestra Dagnello recipe captures the essence of Florentine cooking with its hearty ingredients and simple preparation. It’s a delightful choice for anyone looking to enjoy a taste of Tuscany in the comfort of their home, whether for a family dinner or a quiet evening alone.