– 2 cups white beans (canned or dried)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Creating this Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta is simple and rewarding. Just follow these straightforward steps:
1. Prep the Ingredients: If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender. If using canned beans, rinse and drain them.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Incorporate Zucchini: Add the diced zucchini and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
6. Season: Sprinkle in the dried thyme and oregano, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
7. Add Liquids: Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
8. Add Beans: Stir in the white beans. If using canned beans, you can add them directly. For dried beans, ensure they are fully cooked.
9. Cook the Pasta: Once the soup reaches a boil, add the pasta. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
10. Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
11. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
12. Enjoy: Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal!