Minestra di fagioli, or bean soup, is a hearty and flavorful Italian soup traditionally prepared with a variety of beans, vegetables, and herbs. Often found in Tuscany, this classic dish is characterized by its rich, broth-based flavor, the tenderness of the beans, and the combination of aromatic vegetables and herbs that create a delicious and comforting meal. Whether served as a simple peasant dish or elevated with additional ingredients and garnishes, minestra di fagioli is a versatile and satisfying soup that showcases the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
MINESTRA DI FAGIOLI (BEAN SOUP)
Use a first rate rustic bread for this recipe. It doesn't work near as well with the grocery store variety. Purests will tell you that this soup is better heated the second day and should be thick enough by then to eat with a fork!
Provided by TishT
Categories Beans
Time 1h50m
Yield 4 Quarts
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Put the onion, garlic, and celery in a 5qt pot.
- Pour extra virgin oil over them, toss with a wooden spoon to coat with the oil, and place over low heat.
- cook, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes or until onions are tender Add the Tuscan kale, cabbage, kale or swiss chard, cabbage, carrots, squash, potato, fresh herbs and broth or water and bring to a simmer Cook the soup, stirring occasionally for 1 hour over low heat.
- Remove the rosemary sprig and the bay leaf.
- Add salt and pepper to tast.
- Puree 5 cups of vegies from the soup with 1 cup of beans in a food processor.
- Return the puree to the soup Place 1 slice of toasted bread in each soup bowl and ladle soup over bread.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and serve.
MINESTRA DI CECI (UMBRIAN CHICKPEA SOUP)
Minestra di Ceci is typical of the 'cucina povera' style of cooking. This simple recipe from the restaurant Fontanella di Porta Sole in Perugia, Italy has been modified for a slow cooker. Minestra di Ceci freezes well, and actually improves in flavour over time.
Provided by Member 610488
Categories Stew
Time 6h20m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Soak chickpeas in full pot of cold water along with rosemary, sage, and salt. Soak overnight, then drain the next morning. Remove herbs.
- Refill slow cooker with water to 1 inch above chickpeas. Cover and cook on low 5 hours.
- Combine 7 tablespoons of olive oil and rosemary in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring just to a simmer to infuse the olive oil. Remove from heat, discard the rosemary and set aside.
- Saute garlic, carrot, onion and celery in olive oil in skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
- Puree half of the chickpeas, along with several cups of broth from the cooker, in blender. Return puree to slow cooker. Add sauteed vegetables to cooker.
- Cover. Cook on high 60 minutes.
- Serve the soup in warmed bowls with a drizzle of some of the remaining rosemary oil and sprinkle of parsley, black pepper and some grated pecorino if you wish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 187.6, Fat 13.1, SaturatedFat 1.8, Sodium 1051.8, Carbohydrate 15.3, Fiber 3, Sugar 1, Protein 3.1
ZUPPA DI FAGIOLI
I like to welcome family home with steaming bowls of this hearty white bean soup. It features plenty of vegetables as well as tender Italian meatballs.-Mary Caron, Edenton, North Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 55m
Yield 10 servings (2-1/4 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs and cheese. Crumble sausage over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1/2-in. balls. , Place in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until juices run clear; drain and set aside., In a Dutch oven, saute the leeks, carrot and celery in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the beans, broths, tomatoes, spinach, basil, parsley, salt, pepper and reserved meatballs. Cover and cook until spinach is tender and meatballs are heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 141 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 873mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 8g protein.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the flavor of your soup. If you can, use organic or local ingredients.
- Soak the beans overnight: This will help to soften them and make them more digestible. If you don't have time to soak the beans 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 variety of beans: This will give your soup a more complex flavor. Some good options include kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, and chickpeas.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: If you add too many beans to the pot, they won't cook evenly.
- Season the soup well: Use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs to taste.
- Let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes: This will help to develop the flavors and make the soup more tender.
- Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers: This will help to soak up the delicious broth.
Conclusion
Minestra di fagioli is a hearty, flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious minestra di fagioli that your whole family will love.
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