Minestra di Fagioli (Bean Soup) Recipe 🍲
Description:
Minestra di Fagioli, or Bean Soup, is a comforting dish with roots deeply embedded in European cuisine. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly winter nights, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that warm you from the inside out. The recipe emphasizes the use of high-quality rustic bread, which elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. Traditionalists swear by the notion that this soup tastes even better when reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, reaching a sublime perfection that beckons for a second helping!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 692.1
- Fat: 10.6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.9g
- Cholesterol: 0.6mg
- Sodium: 1445.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 124.5g
- Fiber: 23g
- Sugar: 13.7g
- Protein: 30.6g
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 2 leeks
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 celery ribs
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 bunch Tuscan kale
- 3 Swiss chard leaves
- 1/2 cabbage
- 1 carrot
- 1 potato
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 sprig thyme
- 3-5 fresh sage leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 7 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups water
- Sea salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- 4 cups cooked white beans
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preparation: Begin by chopping the onion, leeks, garlic, and celery ribs. |
| 2 | Sauté Aromatics: In a 5-quart pot, combine the chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and toss to coat. Place the pot over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the onions are tender. |
| 3 | Add Greens: To the pot, add the Tuscan kale, Swiss chard, cabbage, carrots, squash, potato, fresh herbs, and vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. |
| 4 | Simmer: Let the soup simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for approximately 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. |
| 5 | Remove Herbs: After simmering, remove the rosemary sprig and bay leaf from the soup. |
| 6 | Season: Season the soup with sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preferences. |
| 7 | Puree: Transfer 5 cups of the soup’s vegetables along with 1 cup of cooked white beans to a food processor. Purée until smooth. |
| 8 | Combine: Return the puréed mixture to the pot, stirring well to incorporate it into the soup. |
| 9 | Serve: Place a slice of toasted rustic bread in each soup bowl. Ladle the hot soup over the bread, allowing it to soak up the delicious flavors. Drizzle each serving with a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. |
| 10 | Enjoy: Serve hot and savor the comforting goodness of Minestra di Fagioli. Buon appetito! |
Recipe Notes:
- For the best results, use high-quality rustic bread rather than store-bought varieties.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and tastes even better when reheated the next day.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Keywords:
Vegetable, European, Vegan, Winter, Weeknight, Stove Top, Small Appliance, < 4 Hours, Inexpensive
Recipe Yield:
4 Quarts (Serving size may vary)
Cook Time:
1 hour and 30 minutes
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour and 50 minutes
Minestra di Fagioli is more than just a soup; it’s a culinary journey that captures the essence of European comfort food. With its hearty blend of vegetables, aromatic herbs, and creamy white beans, this dish is sure to warm your soul and delight your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight meal or served to guests on a cozy winter evening, Minestra di Fagioli is a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to experience the irresistible charm of this beloved bean soup.
