Tuscan White Bean Soup
(from MethodicalImprov’s recipe box)
Freeze this soup before adding the cream.
Source: Brandy Fernow (Linda's gift)
Serves 8 peopleCategories: Beans, Main Course, Soup
Ingredients
- Soup:
- 2 oz diced pancetta
- 2 T butter
- 1 T olive oil
- 2 shallots, minced
- 1 sage leaf
- 2 cans cannelloni beans (15 oz)
- 4 c chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, cut in 1/2
- 1/2 c cream
- 1/2 t black pepper
- 1 t salt (to taste)
- Basil topping:
- 1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
- 1 T minced garlic
- 1/4 to 1/2 t red pepper flakes
- 1/4 c lightly packed fresh basil leaves
- TT salt and pepper
Directions
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Soup:
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Place a heavy soup pot over medium heat. Add the butter, olive oil and pancetta.
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Cook, stirring the pancetta until it is crispy. Remove pancetta with a slotted spoon. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are softened, about 5 minutes
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Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until garlic is fragrant.
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Add the sage and drained beans and stir to combine.
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Add the stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to develop flavors.
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Use and immersion blender to puree until smooth, or carefully transfer soup, in small batches, to a blender and puree until smooth. Put the blended soup back into the soup pan. Add the cream and the pepper.
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Basil Topping: Meanwhile, in a small skillet over high heat, warm ΒΌ c olive oil.
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Add the garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to turn brown.
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Add the red pepper flakes and cook for a few seconds, then add the basil. Cook until basil wilts. The longer basil cooks, the more it loses its flavor.
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Add salt and pepper to taste.
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To serve, ladle the hot soup into warmed bowls. Top the soup with the reserved pancetta and basil mixture. Serve with crusty bread and Parmesan, if desired.