Imagine a soup so comforting it transports you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany with just one spoonful! This Tuscan White Bean Escarole Soup is not just a meal, it's a culinary journey that combines rustic Italian flavors with wholesome, hearty ingredients. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving a nutritious, soul-warming dish that comes together in just 35 minutes, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort food that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch escarole, chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Add chopped escarole to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leaves begin to wilt and reduce in volume.
- Pour in the rinsed and drained white beans, vegetable broth, and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the escarole to become tender.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh escarole and high-quality vegetable broth to maximize flavor depth.
- Sauté Slowly: Take your time caramelizing the onions and garlic to build a rich flavor foundation for the soup.
- Don't Rush the Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently to let the flavors meld and the escarole become perfectly tender.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor - pre-grated cheese can't compare!
- Customize Your Soup: Add red pepper flakes for heat or swap vegetable broth with chicken broth if desired.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
- Serve with Love: A slice of crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 3mg
