**Tuscan Bean Soup with Greens: A Hearty and Flavorful Italian Classic**
Originating from the rustic kitchens of Tuscany, Italy, Tuscan bean soup, also known as Ribollita, is a hearty and flavorful soup that embodies the essence of Italian culinary tradition. This classic soup is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring a rich broth brimming with tender beans, a medley of fresh greens, and the distinct smokiness of pancetta. Served with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, each spoonful of Tuscan bean soup is a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients. Along with the classic Tuscan bean soup recipe, this article also offers variations such as a vegetarian version, a slow-cooker adaptation, and a gluten-free option, ensuring that everyone can savor the comforting goodness of this Italian masterpiece.
CHEF JOHN'S TUSCAN BEAN SOUP
Since fall and winter are full of shorter, darker days, we're going to need some coping strategies, and this hearty Tuscan bean soup is one of the more effective. There's just something about that combo of smooth, silky soup, and crunchy, crispy croutons that makes everything seem okay.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Beans and Peas
Time 45m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add butter; allow butter to melt. Add onion, celery, and carrot and cook and stir until onion begins to turn translucent and golden, about 7 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook 1 more minute. Add beans and broth. Season with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Set heat to medium high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Place bread cubes in a saute pan. Drizzle with olive oil; season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toast bread cubes over medium heat until golden brown and crunchy, tossing occasionally, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle grated cheese over the bread cubes and continue to brown cubes about 2 more minutes.
- Puree soup with an immersion blender until it is very smooth. Whisk in creme fraiche. Stir in lemon juice. Serve topped with browned bread cubes and chopped parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 431.8 calories, Carbohydrate 44.4 g, Cholesterol 42 mg, Fat 23.1 g, Fiber 10.3 g, Protein 12.7 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Sodium 1611.1 mg, Sugar 4.4 g
TUSCAN VEGETABLE SOUP
Simmer a pot of Ellie Krieger's healthy Tuscan Vegetable Soup recipe from Food Network, a classic vegetable soup loaded with zucchini, beans, tomatoes and more.
Provided by Ellie Krieger
Categories main-dish
Time 35m
Yield 6 servings (1 1/2 cups each)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a small bowl mash half of the beans with a masher or the back of a spoon, and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, garlic, thyme, sage, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and cook stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the broth and tomatoes with the juice and bring to a boil. Add the mashed and whole beans and the spinach leaves and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes more.
- Serve topped with Parmesan, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 145 calorie, Fat 4 grams, SaturatedFat 0.5 grams, Cholesterol 0 milligrams, Sodium 306 milligrams, Carbohydrate 21 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 8 grams, Sugar 5 grams
PARMESAN WHITE BEAN SOUP WITH HEARTY GREENS
Whatever you do, don't throw away your Parmesan rinds: Within those waxy rinds is enough rich umami and salty cheese flavor to carry an entire soup's broth. Collect and store them in an airtight container in the freezer (or purchase a container of them at your grocery store). Once you have about 10 ounces of rinds, simmer them with aromatics as you would to make chicken or bone broth. (For an easier cleanup, enclose the rinds in cheesecloth or muslin.) Use the broth to make risotto or minestrone, a pot of beans or this soup, which combines beans and greens with the garlic and lemon rind from the broth. Use whichever beans and greens you like, and mop up every last Parmesan-y drop with a hunk of crusty bread.
Provided by Ali Slagle
Categories dinner, soups and stews, main course
Time 2h
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- To make the Parmesan broth: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high. Add the garlic, cut-sides down, and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the Parmesan rinds, lemon rinds, thyme and 8 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, until the broth tastes full and rich and is reduced by half, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. (You will have about 4 cups of broth.) Reserve half the garlic and half the lemon rinds, then strain the broth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Once cool, the broth will keep for 1 week refrigerated or 3 months in the freezer. If freezing, leave a bit of space between the broth and the lid of the container, as the broth will expand.)
- To make the soup: Squeeze the garlic cloves to release them from the reserved head. Finely chop the reserved lemon rind. In a large pot, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-low. Add the garlic cloves and the red-pepper flakes and cook, breaking up the garlic with your spoon, just until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium, add the greens and 1/4 teaspoon of the chopped lemon rind and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the greens are wilted, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the beans and all of the Parmesan broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the greens are silky and the beans and broth are warmed through, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and taste. Stir in lemon juice and additional lemon rind to taste. (You will not use all the lemon.) Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with black pepper and grated Parmesan on top.
Tips:
- Choose the right beans: Use a combination of beans for a variety of flavors and textures. Great Northern beans are mild and creamy, while Cannellini beans are larger and have a nutty flavor. Black-eyed peas and chickpeas are also good options.
- Soak the beans overnight: This will help them cook more evenly and reduce the cooking time. If you don't have time to soak them overnight, you can quick-soak them by boiling them for 1 minute, then removing them from the heat and letting them sit for 1 hour.
- Use a flavorful broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth is a great base for Tuscan bean soup. You can also use water, but the soup will be less flavorful.
- Add plenty of vegetables: Vegetables add flavor, color, and nutrients to the soup. Good choices include carrots, celery, onions, garlic, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard.
- Season the soup well: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are essential seasonings for Tuscan bean soup. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes.
- Simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes: This will allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
- Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers: This will help to soak up the delicious broth.
Conclusion:
Tuscan bean soup is a hearty, flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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