Tuscan Bean Soup (Ribollita)
A comforting and nutritious Italian soup made with a medley of vegetables and beans, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Base ingredients
- 0.25 cup olive oil For sautéing the vegetables
- 1 large onion, sliced Adds sweetness to the soup
- 4 pieces carrots, chopped Provides depth of flavor
- 2 stalks celery, chopped Adds a crunchy texture
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed Enhances flavor
- 2 pieces zucchini, sliced Adds sweetness and texture
Liquid ingredients
- 4 cans vegetable stock (14 ounce cans) Base of the soup
- 1 can cannellini beans (15 ounce) Adds protein and creaminess
- 1 can chopped tomatoes (14 ounce) Adds acidity and richness
- 1 cup chicken stock For added depth (can substitute with vegetable stock for vegetarian option)
Seasonings and extras
- 0.25 cup pesto Adds flavor and richness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing spinach
- 1 bag fresh spinach (16 ounce) Served fresh in the bowl
- to taste Salt and ground black pepper Season to your preference
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a pot over medium heat and add 0.25 cups of olive oil.
- Add the sliced onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and crushed garlic. Sauté for about 10 minutes until they become lightly browned.
- Stir in the sliced zucchini and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Cooking
- Add the vegetable stock, cannellini beans, chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and pesto to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and black pepper before serving.
Serving
- In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the fresh spinach for about 5 minutes until wilted.
- To serve, place sautéed spinach in bowls and ladle hot soup over the spinach.
- For added flavor, drizzle with quality olive oil or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
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Notes
For best results, sauté the vegetables properly. Make the soup a day in advance for enhanced flavors. Season to taste before serving and feel free to add different herbs and spices.