Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Hearty Winter Vegetable and Bean Soup: A Warm Sicilian Hug
Dive into this wholesome vegetable and bean soup, bursting with flavour and perfect for cosy winter evenings.
📖 What is it
Dive into this wholesome vegetable and bean soup, bursting with flavour and perfect for cosy winter evenings.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ a handful of dried broad beans
- ✓ a handful of borlotti beans
- ✓ 2 red onions
- ✓ 1 celery stalk
- ✓ 1 carrot
- ✓ 1 bay leaf
- ✓ 250g wild fennel
- ✓ 100g savoy cabbage
- ✓ 1 large potato
- ✓ 300g chard and endive
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Experience the true taste of Sicily with this rustic vegetable and bean soup, a dish steeped in countryside charm and age-old traditions. The fragrant wild fennel mingles beautifully with fresh seasonal vegetables, creating a comforting bowl that’s just right for chilly nights. Every spoonful offers a journey of flavour and nourishment, ideal for those who appreciate simple yet characterful cooking.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Soak the broad beans and borlotti beans separately overnight in water with a pinch of bicarbonate of soda.
- 2
After about 12 hours, drain the beans and simmer them in lightly salted water with the onions quartered, carrot chopped, celery and bay leaf finely chopped.
- 3
Halfway through cooking, add the wild fennel, savoy cabbage, chard and endive, all finely chopped, along with the potato cut into chunks.
- 4
Finish cooking, then season with salt, freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- 5
Serve the soup piping hot.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an extra kick, add a touch of freshly chopped chilli to brighten the flavours.
- •
Swap some of the chard for fresh spinach for a sweeter, softer texture.
- •
Use a clay pot for slow cooking to deepen the aromas and preserve nutrients.
- •
For a lighter version, reduce the oil and enhance with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
- •
Try toasting the beans lightly before cooking to add a nutty depth.
- •
Patience is key: let the soup gently simmer to allow all the flavours to meld beautifully.
📦 Storage
- • Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
- • For longer storage, portion it out and freeze, keeping quality for up to a month.
- • When reheating, warm gently on the hob to maintain texture and flavour.
🍷 Pairing
This soup pairs wonderfully with a Sicilian red like Menfi’s Nero d'Avola, served slightly chilled between 12 and 14°C. Alternatively, a light Frappato or Cerasuolo di Vittoria complements it beautifully. If you prefer wines from elsewhere, a young Chianti or a delicate Pinot Noir will enhance the dish without overpowering it.
Making this vegetable and bean soup is like bringing a little slice of Sicily into your home, full of honest flavours and cherished traditions. I warmly encourage you to give it a go and share this comforting treasure with your loved ones — it’s the kind of recipe that’s best enjoyed together. Don’t forget to spread the love by sharing it with friends and family!
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