Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of diced onions
- 1 cup of diced celery
- 1 cup of diced carrots
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of Bitto cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or immersion blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and broth to the pot and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
6. Add the grated Bitto cheese to the soup and stir until melted.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing, boiling, and simmering.
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 215
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 11g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Bitto cheese can be substituted with any other semi-hard cheese like cheddar or gouda.
- Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted with water or stock cubes.
Variations:
- Add cooked pasta or rice to the soup for a heartier meal.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a high-quality Bitto cheese for the best flavor.
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- To make the soup creamier, add a splash of heavy cream or milk.
Storage instructions:
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in individual bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of grated Bitto cheese and chopped fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
- Grated Bitto cheese
- Chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley
Pairings:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread
- Grilled cheese sandwich
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the soup to a safe temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria.
Food history:
Bitto cheese is a traditional cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged for at least 70 days.
Flavor profiles:
The soup has a rich and creamy tomato flavor with a nutty and slightly sweet taste from the Bitto cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the soup as a starter or a light meal.
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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Rich, Hearty, Comforting