Tuscan Soup Recipe: A Flavorful and Hearty Meal
Tuscan soup, also known as Ribollita, is a hearty and flavorful Italian soup that's perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe focuses on simple ingredients and techniques to create a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to make this classic Tuscan soup.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe provides a detailed list of ingredients needed to prepare a delicious Tuscan soup. The quantities can be easily adjusted to suit your needs.
- Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans (rinsed and drained), 1 cup chopped kale or spinach, 1 cup chopped zucchini (optional), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
- Broth: 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor).
- Bread: 1 cup day-old crusty bread, cubed (optional, for added heartiness).
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish: Grated Parmesan cheese (optional), fresh basil leaves (optional).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy-to-follow steps for a perfect Tuscan soup experience. Each step is carefully explained to ensure a flawless cooking process.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cannellini beans, kale or spinach, zucchini (if using), oregano, and basil. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or longer for a more intense flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Add Bread (Optional): If using bread, add the cubed bread during the last 10 minutes of simmering. This will allow the bread to soften and absorb the delicious soup flavors.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
Here are some tips and variations to elevate your Tuscan soup experience.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or potatoes.
- Bean Variations: Great Northern beans or other white beans can be substituted for cannellini beans.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche before serving for a creamier texture.
- Make it Ahead: Tuscan soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe works because it combines simple, fresh ingredients in a way that creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The long simmering time allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, resulting in a truly delicious and comforting soup. The optional additions of bread and Parmesan cheese add extra heartiness and richness.
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