Description
Parmesan Tuscano soup blends hearty Italian flavors with comforting warmth. Rich ingredients and simple techniques deliver a satisfying meal travelers will savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (14 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups (0.96 l) vegetable or chicken stock
- 5 oz (142 g) fresh spinach
- 1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 parmesan rind
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper, for topping
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
Instructions
- Sauté Foundation: Heat a Dutch oven over medium flame, drizzle extra virgin olive oil, then add finely chopped onions and minced garlic with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook until onions become translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Herb and Paste Infusion: Blend in tomato paste and Mediterranean herbs (basil, oregano, thyme), stirring frequently to caramelize and intensify flavors for another 4-5 minutes.
- Liquid Integration: Pour crushed tomatoes, cannellini beans, stock, and parmesan cheese rind into the pot. Elevate heat until mixture reaches a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Flavor Development: Partially cover the pot, allowing soup to simmer and marry flavors for 18-22 minutes, creating a rich and complex profile.
- Creamy Completion: Unveil the pot, incorporate heavy cream, grated parmesan, and fresh spinach leaves. Stir until spinach wilts and ingredients harmonize seamlessly.
- Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper. Serve in warm bowls, garnishing with parmesan shavings and crushed red pepper flakes for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Enhance Flavor Development: Allow tomato paste and herbs to caramelize fully, creating a rich, deep base that intensifies the soup’s overall taste profile.
- Manage Simmering Technique: Keep heat low and pot partially covered during simmering to prevent excessive liquid evaporation and maintain optimal soup consistency.
- Select Cheese Wisely: Use freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor complexity and avoid pre-packaged grated cheese, which can lack depth and melt differently.
- Control Cream Integration: Add heavy cream and spinach at the end of cooking to preserve their delicate textures and prevent potential separation or overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg