Italian Greens and Croutons Soup: A Delightfully Zesty Meatless Vegetable Soup
This Italian Greens and Croutons Soup is a family favorite, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. Straight from the pages of the Nitty Gritty Italian Cookbook, this vegetarian soup proves that meatless dishes can be satisfying and delightful, making it an excellent choice for any occasion, from spring to winter gatherings. With a rich combination of fresh vegetables, fava beans, and a hint of Parmesan cheese, this recipe is not just easy to prepare but also incredibly budget-friendly, ensuring you can enjoy a wholesome meal without breaking the bank.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 242.7 |
| Total Fat | 2.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 436.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 48.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugars | 6.9 g |
| Protein | 8.9 g |
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 3 hours |
| Servings | 10 |
| Category | Greens |
| Keywords | Beans, Vegetable, European, Spring, Summer, Winter, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Fava beans |
| 4 | Potatoes, peeled and cubed |
| 3 | Carrots, peeled and chopped |
| 6 | Onions, peeled and chopped |
| 3 | Zucchini, trimmed and sliced into half-inch rounds |
| 1/2 cup | Celery, trimmed and diced |
| 1 1/2 cups | Cabbage, cored and shredded |
| To taste | Salt |
| To taste | Fresh ground pepper |
| 1 | Bay leaf |
| 10-12 cups | Vegetable broth |
| 1 tablespoon | Soy sauce |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | For serving |
Instructions
-
Soak the Fava Beans: Begin by soaking the fava beans in a generous amount of water for a full 24 hours. This step is crucial as it helps to soften the beans and prepare them for cooking.
-
-
Prepare the Beans: After soaking, drain the fava beans and carefully remove their skins. If you cannot find fava beans, you may substitute them with peeled and cubed potatoes, which will still lend a creamy texture to the soup.
-
Chop the Vegetables: While the beans soak, peel and cube the carrots and onions. Trim the celery, then dice it into small pieces. Next, trim the zucchini and cut it into half-inch slices. Finally, core the cabbage and finely shred it to ensure even cooking.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large 12-quart pot, place all the prepared vegetables along with the soaked fava beans. Add enough water to cover the vegetables completely, ensuring they have ample liquid to cook properly.
-
Season the Soup: Season the mixture to taste with salt and fresh ground pepper. Toss in the bay leaf, which will impart a delightful aromatic quality to the soup. Bring the entire pot to a boil over high heat.
-
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to become tender.
-
Final Seasoning: After the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding a few tablespoons of soy sauce to enhance the umami flavors. Allow the soup to cool, then refrigerate it overnight for the best flavor development.
-
Reheat and Serve: When you’re ready to serve the soup, simply reheat it on the stove until warmed through. For a delightful serving experience, place a piece of toasted French bread in the bottom of each soup bowl.
-
Ladle and Garnish: Carefully ladle the steaming hot soup over the crouton in each bowl, ensuring the bread absorbs some of the soup’s rich flavors. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side, allowing each diner to sprinkle their desired amount over their serving.
This Italian Greens and Croutons Soup not only embodies the essence of traditional Italian cooking but also brings comfort and warmth to any meal, making it a staple in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed on a chilly winter evening or served at a summer gathering, it is sure to impress family and friends alike, proving once again that vegetarian meals can be incredibly satisfying and flavorful. Enjoy the heartiness of this soup, and feel free to customize it with seasonal greens or herbs to suit your taste preferences!
