Description
Parmesan Tuscano Soup brings hearty Italian comfort straight from Tuscany’s rustic kitchens. Silky smooth textures blend rich cream, savory herbs, and aged parmesan into a soul-warming bowl where home cooks discover pure Mediterranean magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 14-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 14-ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes
Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 parmesan rind
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper, for topping
Aromatics and Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Instructions
- Warm a spacious Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat, drizzling of extra virgin olive oil across the bottom.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the heated oil, seasoning with a delicate sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sauté the aromatic mixture, stirring consistently, until the onions transform into a translucent, soft texture, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Incorporate rich tomato paste and traditional Mediterranean herbs – fresh basil, oregano, and thyme – allowing the ingredients to meld and caramelize, stirring frequently for an additional 4 to 5 minutes.
- Pour in whole crushed tomatoes, cannellini beans, vegetable or chicken stock, and a parmesan cheese rind, raising the temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous boil.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, partially cover the pot, and let the soup develop its complex flavors for 18 to 22 minutes.
- Unveil the pot, stir in heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach leaves, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and the spinach to gently wilt.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.
- Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls, garnishing with extra parmesan cheese shavings and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Infuse robust Mediterranean flavors by letting the tomato paste caramelize slowly, intensifying the soup’s depth and richness.
- Use fresh parmesan rind during simmering to create an incredible umami base that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Opt for low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock to control salt levels and allow the natural ingredients to shine through.
- Chop spinach roughly for better texture and quicker wilting, ensuring it remains vibrant green and retains nutritional value.
- Keep extra parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper as garnish options, allowing diners to customize their soup’s final flavor and heat.
- Simmer gently and stir occasionally to prevent burning and help ingredients meld together seamlessly for a harmonious result.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg