There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of soup, especially when the weather gets chilly! I can still remember the first time I made this hearty Italian bean soup. It was one of those cold, rainy days where all I wanted was something cozy to wrap my hands around. I whipped up this vibrant, flavorful soup, and the aroma filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a hug of comfort. Packed with nutritious ingredients like cannellini beans, fresh veggies, and fragrant herbs, this Italian bean soup is not just delicious, it’s good for the soul. Each spoonful is like a warm embrace, reminding me of family dinners and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a staple in your home, too!
Ingredients for Italian Bean Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful Italian bean soup. I promise, it’s super straightforward, and you’ll find these ingredients are easily accessible!
- 1 cup dried cannellini beans (soaked overnight for the best texture)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (to sauté the veggies and bring out their flavors)
- 1 onion, chopped (for that aromatic base)
- 2 carrots, diced (adds a sweet crunch)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (for depth and flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 6 cups vegetable broth (the heart of this soup’s warmth)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (for a hint of acidity and color)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (classic Italian flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (adds a fresh herbal note)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on seasoning!)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (for that pop of color and freshness)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a heartwarming bowl of Italian bean soup that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Italian Bean Soup
Making this hearty Italian bean soup is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through every step! Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a delicious dish. Let’s dive right in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, you’ll need to soak those dried cannellini beans overnight in a large bowl of water. This helps to soften them and makes for a creamier texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Once they’re soaked, drain and rinse the beans under cold water to remove any excess starch.
- In a large pot, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This is where the magic starts!
- Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Now, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Be careful not to let it burn; we want all that garlicky goodness!
- Next, add the soaked beans, 6 cups of vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about an hour. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking!
- Serve your soup hot, garnished with some fresh parsley for that extra flair. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Bean Soup
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this soup in no time!
- Hearty Flavor: Each spoonful is bursting with rich, savory goodness that warms you from the inside out.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with beans, veggies, and herbs, this soup is a powerhouse of nutrition.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Perfect for those who prefer plant-based meals, without sacrificing taste!
- Leftover Goodness: It tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal meal prep option!
Tips for Success with Italian Bean Soup
To make sure your Italian bean soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, if you’re short on time, feel free to use canned cannellini beans instead of dried—just rinse them well before adding. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. If you want a creamier texture, you can puree a portion of the soup and then stir it back in. And don’t forget, adjusting the seasoning before serving really makes a difference—taste as you go!
Variations of Italian Bean Soup
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many delightful ways to switch up this Italian bean soup to keep things fresh and exciting! For a burst of color and flavor, try adding chopped kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also mix in some diced zucchini or bell peppers for extra veggies. Feeling spicy? Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to elevate the warmth! And if you want to add a little protein, consider throwing in some cooked sausage or even a handful of quinoa for a heartier soup. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Italian bean soup is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes beautifully! Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion, and it’ll last for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Stir occasionally, and soon enough, you’ll have that delicious warmth back in your bowl!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used, so please consider these estimates as a guide rather than precise measurements. Each serving of this hearty Italian bean soup is approximately 250 calories, with about 7 grams of fat, 12 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also find around 10 grams of fiber, making this soup not only filling but also a great choice for a healthy diet. Remember, the nutritional content can change if you decide to add extra ingredients or toppings, so feel free to get creative!
FAQ about Italian Bean Soup
Can I use canned beans instead of dried? Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using canned cannellini beans is a great shortcut. Just make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the pot to remove excess sodium.
How long can I store leftovers? This Italian bean soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh!
Can I freeze the soup? Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Perfect for when you need a quick meal later on!
How can I enhance the flavor? If you’re looking to amp up the flavor, consider adding a splash of red pepper flakes for a little kick. You can’t go wrong with extra herbs either!
Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, as long as you’re using gluten-free vegetable broth, this hearty soup is a fantastic gluten-free option!
Print
Italian Bean Soup: 7 Heartwarming Reasons to Love It
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty Italian bean soup packed with flavors and nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried cannellini beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight in water.
- Drain and rinse the beans.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use canned beans for a quicker option.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: italian bean soup, soup, vegetarian soup, healthy soup