A cozy bowl of soup on a chilly evening can bring comfort and warmth like nothing else. Today, we’re going to delve into the heart of Tuscany with a classic recipe for Ribollita, a nourishing Tuscan bean soup that not only fills the home with inviting aromas but also fills the belly with wholesome goodness.
Title: Classic Ribollita Tuscan Bean Soup
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried cannellini beans
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can of chopped tomatoes
– 1 small bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves torn
– 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Crusty bread, for serving
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Start by soaking the cannellini beans in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Once soaked, drain and rinse the beans under cold water.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the soaked cannellini beans, canned tomatoes, kale, and cabbage to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
6. Once the beans are cooked through, take a wooden spoon and lightly crush some of the beans against the side of the pot. This will help thicken the soup and give it a rustic texture.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or pepper at this point.
8. To serve, ladle the Ribollita into bowls, top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and serve with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
Ribollita is a wonderful soup that actually tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits in the fridge, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weekdays. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables or herbs you have on hand for a personalized twist. Enjoy the nourishing comfort of this classic Tuscan bean soup in the cozy ambiance of your home.
