Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Sola Stagionata cheese, cubed
- 1 pound dried white beans, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
2. Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.
3. Drain the soaked white beans and add them to the pot. Add vegetable broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender.
4. Remove bay leaves and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Add cubed Sola Stagionata cheese to the pot and stir until melted and combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 12g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Sola Stagionata cheese can be substituted with any hard cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
- Dried white beans can be substituted with canned white beans.
Variations:
- Add chopped kale or spinach for added nutrition.
- Add diced tomatoes for a more tomato-based flavor.
- Add cooked sausage or bacon for a meatier version.
Tips and tricks:
- Soaking the beans overnight will reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest.
- Use an immersion blender for easier blending and less mess.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Storage instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat on the stove over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley
Pairings:
Crusty bread or garlic bread
Suggested side dishes:
Green salad or roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water until desired consistency is reached.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer for longer until desired consistency is reached.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Food history:
Sola Stagionata cheese is a hard cheese from Italy that is aged for at least 12 months.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, savory
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic bread.
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Region: Italian