How to Make Italian Soups from Scratch

Italian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, and soups play a significant role in traditional dishes. Making Italian soups from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a delightful and healthy meal. Below, we explore some classic Italian soups and provide a simple guide to create them at home.

1. Minestrone Soup

Minestrone is a hearty vegetable soup that often includes beans, pasta, and fresh herbs. Here's how to prepare it:

  • Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (diced), 2 celery stalks (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 zucchini (diced), 1 potato (diced), 1 can diced tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup cooked beans, 1 cup small pasta, salt and pepper to taste, fresh basil and parsley.

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sauté until softened.
  2. Add garlic, zucchini, and potato, cooking for another 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the canned tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat, add beans and pasta, and simmer until the pasta is cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving.

2. Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e fagioli, or pasta and beans, is a traditional Italian soup that is both filling and tasty.

  • Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (diced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 can cannellini beans, 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 cup small pasta, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
  2. Add garlic, beans, broth, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
  3. Once boiling, add pasta and reduce the heat to simmer until pasta is al dente.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes before serving.

3. Ribollita

This Tuscan soup is a rustic blend of vegetables and stale bread, making it an economical and delicious dish.

  • Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (diced), 2 celery stalks (diced), 4 cups kale (chopped), 1 can diced tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 cups stale bread, and salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until soft.
  2. Stir in kale and cook for a few minutes until wilted.
  3. Add tomatoes, broth, and bread; bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Tuscan White Bean Soup

This soup highlights the creamy texture of white beans and the aroma of fresh herbs.

  • Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 cans white beans, 1 teaspoon thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add broth, beans, and herbs. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. You can blend some of the soup for a creamier consistency if desired.
  4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Tips for Making Italian Soups