Imagine a steaming bowl of hearty soup that transports you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany, where every spoonful tells a story of traditional Italian comfort food. This Tuscany Rice Bean Soup is not just a meal; it's a warm embrace on a chilly day, packed with nutritious ingredients and flavors that dance together in perfect harmony. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to transform your dinner into a memorable Mediterranean experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: dice the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aromatic qualities.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Drain and rinse the cannellini beans, then add them to the simmering broth along with the rice and dried rosemary.
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once rice is tender and soup has reached desired consistency, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and a good vegetable broth for the most authentic flavor.
- Uniform chopping is key: Cut your vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't rush the sautéing: Take time to caramelize your onions and develop deep, rich flavors before adding other ingredients.
- For extra depth, consider adding a parmesan rind while simmering the soup.
- If the soup becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little additional broth or water.
- For a protein boost, consider adding diced pancetta or crispy bacon when sautéing the vegetables.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
