Italian Bean Soup ๐ฒ
Description:
Adapted from a River Cafe recipe seen on TV, this Italian Bean Soup offers a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for a simple country-style meal or as a starter for a more elaborate dinner party. With distinctive flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s a comforting dish that pairs well with the cozy atmosphere of winter gatherings by the fire with friends and loved ones.
- Cuisine: European
- Dietary Considerations: Very Low Carbs, Low Protein, Vegan, Low Cholesterol
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Serving: Makes a generous portion, suitable for sharing among friends or family.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cannellini beans
- 1 cup haricot beans
- 1 bulb of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh basil
- 2 cups fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preparation:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Soak the Beans: Begin by soaking the cannellini and haricot beans in cold water overnight. This helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.
2. Cooking the Beans:
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Cook Until Tender: Rinse the soaked beans well and place them in a pot with fresh cold water. Add a generous bunch of fresh basil and the whole bulb of garlic (with the top sliced off) to the pot.
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Boil: Bring the water to a rapid boil and let it continue boiling for at least ten minutes. This step is crucial for health reasons, ensuring that any toxins in the beans are effectively neutralized.
3. Flavor Infusion:
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Prepare the Aromatics: In a separate heavy-bottomed pan, pour a generous quantity of olive oil. Add two teaspoons of finely chopped garlic to the oil, and gently soften it without allowing it to brown.
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Add Parsley: Once the garlic is softened, add two firmly packed cups of finely chopped fresh parsley to the pan. Whether you choose flat or curly parsley, the flavor will infuse beautifully into the soup.
4. Final Assembly:
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Combine Ingredients: Slowly add the cooked beans to the pan with the garlic and parsley. Allow them to mingle and absorb the aromatic flavors.
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Mash the Beans: Once all the beans are added, use a slotted spoon to mash them slightly. This adds texture to the soup while still maintaining some whole beans for a hearty bite.
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Adjust Consistency: The soup is meant to be quite thick, but if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a bit of water or vegetable broth to achieve your desired texture.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Italian Bean Soup into bowls, drizzle with a bit of green olive oil for extra richness, and serve with some rustic country bread on the side.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 0
- Fat Content: 0g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 0mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 0g
- Fiber Content: 0g
- Sugar Content: 0g
- Protein Content: 0g
This Italian Bean Soup recipe offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any mealtime occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a comforting winter warmer or as part of a sophisticated dinner party menu, its simple preparation and robust taste are sure to impress!