Italian-style Vegetable Soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Description:
Indulge in the hearty flavors of Italy with this delightful Italian-style Vegetable Soup recipe. As diverse as the Italian landscape, this soup brings together a medley of vegetables, savory pancetta, and aromatic herbs to create a soul-warming dish. Pancetta, the unsung hero of Italian cuisine, lends its distinct, non-smoked flavor, making this soup a true taste of the Mediterranean. Don’t be shy to stock up on pancetta; freeze it in portions for future culinary adventures. While pancetta is ideal, you can easily substitute it with domestic bacon, blanching it briefly to temper its smoky essence. Fresh side pork is another worthy alternative.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 cups | Chicken broth |
| 1/3 cup | Olive oil |
| 1/4 cup | Chopped parsley |
| 4 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1/4 cup | Pancetta, diced |
| 3 slices | Unsmoked bacon, chopped |
| 1 | Small cabbage, shredded |
| 2 | Onions, diced |
| 1 | Carrot, sliced |
| 1 | Celery stalk, chopped |
| 2 | Potatoes, diced |
| 1 | Zucchini, sliced |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh tomatoes, chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Mushrooms, sliced |
| 4 cups | String beans, chopped |
| 1 piece | Prosciutto rind or ham shank |
| To taste | Salt and pepper |
| – | Parmesan cheese, for serving |
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 207.9
- Fat: 12.6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8g
- Cholesterol: 5.5mg
- Sodium: 871.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 14.7g
- Fiber: 3.4g
- Sugar: 5.8g
- Protein: 10.2g
Instructions:
-
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan.
-
Add chopped parsley and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat.
-
Before the garlic changes color, introduce diced pancetta. Sauté until lightly browned.
-
Stir in shredded cabbage. Cover and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
-
Add remaining vegetables to the saucepan. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes.
-
Pour in chicken broth and water (if using). Add prosciutto rind or ham shank. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 40 to 50 minutes.
-
With a slotted spoon, remove half of the vegetables. Place them in a blender or food processor and process until smooth.
-
Return the puree to the saucepan. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Serve hot, with Parmesan cheese generously sprinkled on top.
Variation:
- Toast about 20 thick slices of Italian bread.
- Place 2 slices in each soup bowl and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with additional Parmesan cheese.
Embrace the essence of Italy in a bowl with this wholesome and flavorful Italian-style Vegetable Soup. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe promises a symphony of tastes that will transport you to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany. Buon appetito! 🍲🇮🇹
