Parmesan White Bean Soup

Introduction

Valentine’s Day often calls for warmth, comfort, and something special. This Parmesan and White Bean Soup offers all that with its creamy texture, rich flavors, and heartwarming aroma. It’s perfect for a cozy meal with your loved one.

Ingredients

Olive oil: 30 ml

Onion, chopped: 100 grams

Carrots, diced: 100 grams

Celery, diced: 100 grams

Garlic, minced: 15 grams

Vegetable broth: 1 liter

Canned white beans, drained and rinsed: 800 grams

Fresh thyme: 5 grams

Bay leaf: 1

Parmesan rind: 50 grams

Baby spinach: 100 grams

Heavy cream: 100 ml

Salt: to taste

Black pepper: to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese: 50 grams

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Detailed Directions and Instructions

1. Heat the Olive Oil

In a large pot, heat 30 ml of olive oil over medium heat.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add 100 grams of chopped onion, 100 grams of diced carrots, and 100 grams of diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the Garlic

Stir in 15 grams of minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant.

4. Incorporate the Broth

Pour in 1 liter of vegetable broth and bring it to a boil.

5. Add Remaining Ingredients

Once boiling, add 800 grams of drained and rinsed canned white beans, 5 grams of fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf, and 50 grams of Parmesan rind to the pot.

6. Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together.

7. Remove Unwanted Ingredients

After simmering, remove the bay leaf and Parmesan rind from the soup.

8. Add Spinach and Cream

Stir in 100 grams of baby spinach and 100 ml of heavy cream. Continue to cook until the spinach has wilted, which should take around 2 minutes.

9. Season to Taste

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

10. Serve the Soup

Serve the soup hot, garnished with 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Cooking Method

Ensure to sauté the vegetables adequately to develop the flavors before adding the broth.

Veggie Options

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.

Storage Instructions

Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the soup with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Allergy Information

This recipe is vegetarian but contains dairy due to the Parmesan and cream. Adjust ingredients as necessary for dietary restrictions.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The Parmesan and White Bean Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Parmesan and White Bean Soup hot with a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese on top. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a touch of elegance, drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of the Parmesan and White Bean Soup contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Dietary Fiber: 12g
– Sugars: 3g
– Total Fat: 15g
– Saturated Fat: 7g
– Sodium: 600mg
– Iron: 4mg
– Calcium: 250mg

Ingredient Substitutions

– Olive oil: Can be replaced with butter or avocado oil for a different flavor.
– Canned white beans: Substitute with cooked navy beans, cannellini beans, or chickpeas.
– Vegetable broth: Use chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option.
– Heavy cream: Swap with coconut cream or milk for a dairy-free alternative.
– Baby spinach: Substitute with kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green.
– Parmesan rind: Use a piece of Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or omit if unavailable.
– Grated Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option.

Cook techniques

Sautéing

Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over high heat. In this recipe, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until they are tender, which enhances their natural sweetness and flavor.

Simmering

Simmering is cooking food in liquid just below the boiling point. After adding broth and beans, lowering the heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more robust soup.

Seasoning

Proper seasoning involves adding salt and pepper both during cooking and at the end to enhance and balance flavors. Taste frequently and adjust as necessary for optimal flavor.

Garnishing

Garnishing is the art of adding decorative elements to a dish for aesthetic appeal. Top the soup with grated Parmesan cheese before serving to enhance its flavor and presentation.

FAQ

Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried white beans. Just be sure to soak and cook them thoroughly before adding them to the soup.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free option. Alternatively, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the soup may be less creamy.

How long can this soup be stored?

The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to three months.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, kale, or potatoes to customize the soup to your taste.

Is this soup vegan?

This soup is not vegan due to the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese but can easily be modified by using plant-based cream and omitting cheese.

Conclusion

This Parmesan and White Bean Soup is the perfect dish for a cozy Valentine’s Day dinner. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a heartfelt meal, ideal for sharing with a loved one. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it brings warmth and comfort to your table, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Garlic Bread

Serve warm slices of garlic bread alongside the soup for a delightful combination of flavors. The crunch of the bread complements the creaminess of the soup perfectly.

Mixed Green Salad

Pair the soup with a fresh mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad will accentuate the richness of the soup.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Choose stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs as an appetizer. Their savory taste makes a perfect starter to this creamy soup.

Herb-Crusted Chicken

For a heartier meal, serve herb-crusted chicken as a main course. The savory spices will enhance the flavors of the Parmesan and white bean soup.

Cheesy Polenta

Spoon some creamy, cheesy polenta on the side for a comforting addition to the soup. The combination of cheesy polenta and soup will be extra satisfying.

Chocolate Fondue

Finish off your romantic meal with a decadent chocolate fondue for dessert. Dip fresh fruits and marshmallows for a sweet ending to the culinary experience.