ITALIAN WHITE BEAN SOUP

Warm and comforting, Italian white bean soup holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I had this delightful dish at my grandmother’s kitchen table. The smell of sautéed onions and garlic filled the air as she stirred a bubbling pot on the stove. Each spoonful brought not only flavor but also memories of family gatherings and shared stories. This soup celebrates the simplicity of wholesome ingredients, transforming them into a hearty meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Italian white bean soup invites you to enjoy the richness of legumes in a broth that dances with flavor. Like all great childhood memories, the taste of this soup lingers long after the last bowl is finished. Growing up, hearty soups served during cold winter days brought comfort and warmth, reinforcing the idea that food is best when shared.

In every scoop, you’ll find creamy cannellini beans combined with tender potatoes, all brought together by a delicate blend of spices and fresh parsley. The best part? It’s straightforward to make, requiring just a few ingredients that yield big flavor in a short time. This soup not only nourishes but also fills your home with inviting aromas; it’s truly a dish to cherish.

Let’s get started on this culinary journey. We’ll explore how to create this comforting Italian white bean soup from scratch, warming hearts and bellies along the way.

PART 1 — ITALIAN WHITE BEAN SOUP: THE FOUNDATIONS

Fundamentals

Italian white bean soup serves as a wonderful canvas for home cooks, offering versatility through its simple ingredients. At its core, this dish showcases white beans, potatoes, and a medley of aromatic ingredients. This soup’s beauty lies in its rustic nature and nutrient-packed profile, highlighting the bounty of beans.

Beans are not just a source of protein; they also provide fiber and essential nutrients. Combined with the luscious flavors of olive oil and fragrant vegetables, this soup becomes a wholesome meal perfect for all occasions. Each ingredient contributes to a layered taste, creating a symphony of flavors that satisfy deeply.

Preparation/setup

Preparation for this delightful soup is easy, but the results are always fabulous. Start by gathering your ingredients: cannellini beans, potatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and seasonings. Fresh Italian parsley adds a vibrant touch right before serving, transforming the dish into a presentation worthy of the dinner table.

Setting up your kitchen with all the necessary tools simplifies the cooking process. A large pot will make it easy to stir and simmer without splatters. Use a cutting board for chopping, with sharp knives to make prep efficient.

Ingredients

Here’s the list of ingredients for your Italian white bean soup:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cans (14oz/400grams each) cannellini or other white beans
• 1 (7oz/200 grams) large potato, diced
• 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium vegetable broth
• ½ – ⅔ teaspoon salt, or according to taste
• A few cracks of black pepper
• 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1 handful Italian flat parsley (1 cup lightly packed)

Directions

Here’s how to prepare your Italian white bean soup:

1. Rinse the beans under running water and drain them well. This step helps remove any cloudy water and impurities from the can.
2. In a large soup pot, gently heat 1 ½ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about four minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
3. Next, add the drained white beans, diced potato, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potato is fork-tender.
5. After removing the pot from heat, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more vegetable broth to achieve your desired texture.

For the parsley dressing:

1. Blend or finely chop the parsley leaves with the small garlic clove and place it in a bowl.
2. Stir in about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to create a vibrant dressing.

To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and add a spoonful of parsley dressing in the center for an extra burst of flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of red or black pepper flakes, if desired, and enjoy with crusty bread or croutons.

PART 2 — MASTERING ITALIAN WHITE BEAN SOUP

Technique

The technique behind Italian white bean soup involves balancing flavors while ensuring the ingredients meld together beautifully. Sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil forms the building blocks of flavor. As these fragrant ingredients cook, they release their essential oils, creating a savory base for the dish.

Simmering the soup allows the potatoes to soften and the white beans to contribute their creaminess to the broth. Stirring occasionally while cooking helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. The blending of flavors over time leads to a more harmonious soup, as all the ingredients absorb each other’s essence.

Tips/tricks

To enhance your Italian white bean soup:

• Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth for better control over the saltiness of your dish.
• Consider experimenting with other beans, like navy or great northern beans, for different textures and flavors.
• If you like a little more spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, adjusting to your palette.
• For added depth, include a bay leaf during simmering and remove it before serving. This small herb can elevate the dish’s complexity without overwhelming the other flavors.

PART 3 — PERFECTION IN EVERY BOWL

Perfecting results

Achieving the perfect Italian white bean soup hinges on paying attention to the details. Ensuring the onions and garlic are properly sautéed creates a more flavorful base. The right simmering time gives the potatoes a chance to become tender while allowing their starch to thicken the soup naturally.

To ensure a creamier texture, you can mash a few beans against the side of the pot. This method adds richness without requiring additional ingredients. Balance your seasonings well, possibly taste-testing at different points, to capture the essence of each component.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. On the flip side, if it’s too thin, allow it to simmer without a lid for a few more minutes, letting excess moisture evaporate.

For a heartier version, you can include additional vegetables such as carrots or spinach. Adding these towards the end of cooking preserves their color and nutrients.

PART 4 — SERVING Italian white bean soup

Serving/presentation

When it comes to serving, presentation plays a key role in elevating your dish. Ladle the Italian white bean soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a generous amount of beans and potatoes. Add a dollop of fresh parsley dressing right in the center, making it visually appealing.

Consider garnishing with extra parsley for bright color and fresh flavor. Accompany the soup with slices of crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop, transforming every meal into a complete experience.

Pairings/storage

Pair this delicious soup with coarse bread or croutons that can complement its creamy texture. For a more fulfilling meal, consider a side salad with a light dressing, providing a fresh contrast.

Italian white bean soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for three to four days. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. For longer storage, freeze in portions to enjoy on busy nights. Remember to reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth as needed to maintain the right consistency.

Italian white bean soup offers warmth, comfort, and the essence of home cooking. It reflects the beauty of simplicity in each bowl, inviting you back time and again. Enjoy every comforting spoonful, cultivating cherished memories with those around you.

Italian white bean soup allows you to share warmth and nourishment through the art of cooking. Celebrate the day, one bowl at a time.

Italian White Bean Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A warm and comforting soup featuring creamy cannellini beans and tender potatoes, perfect for sharing with family on cold days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cans (14oz/400grams each) cannellini or other white beans
• 1 (7oz/200 grams) large potato, diced
• 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium vegetable broth
• ½ – ⅔ teaspoon salt, to taste
• A few cracks of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
• 1 small garlic clove (for dressing)
• 1 handful Italian flat parsley (1 cup lightly packed)

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Instructions

1. Rinse the beans under running water and drain them well.
2. In a large soup pot, heat 1 ½ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about four minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
3. Add the drained white beans, diced potato, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potato is fork-tender.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more vegetable broth if a thinner consistency is desired.
6. For the parsley dressing, blend or finely chop the parsley leaves with the small garlic clove, then stir in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and add a spoonful of parsley dressing in the center. Garnish with pepper flakes if desired, and serve with crusty bread.

Notes

For a heartier soup, add vegetables like carrots or spinach. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze in portions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: soup, Italian, white beans, comfort food, vegetarian