Description
Rustic kitchens of Tuscany inspire this creamy parmesan tuscano soup, blending hearty ingredients with delicate flavors. Rich, velvety textures and robust seasonings invite you to savor a comforting culinary journey through Italian countryside traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 14-ounce cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 14-ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 1 sweet onion (diced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 parmesan rind
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- Crushed red pepper (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic with a light seasoning of salt and pepper until onions become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Introduce tomato paste and aromatic herbs (basil, oregano, thyme), stirring continuously. Allow mixture to develop rich, deep flavors for about 3-4 minutes, watching the tomato paste darken slightly.
- Pour in whole tomatoes, cannellini beans, vegetable stock, and parmesan rind. Elevate heat to create a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let ingredients meld together for 15-20 minutes.
- Uncover the pot and incorporate heavy cream, creating a luxurious texture. Fold in freshly grated parmesan cheese and tender spinach leaves. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring cheese melts completely and spinach wilts gracefully.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of additional parmesan and a dash of crushed red pepper for subtle heat.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by using freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a more robust taste profile.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to create a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper quantity or using fresh chili for those who enjoy extra spiciness.
- Extend soup’s nutritional value by adding protein-rich ingredients like shredded chicken or white beans for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 214 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 42 mg