When I crave something warm, filling, and 100% vegetable-based, I cook myself a Pisan-style soup. If you too are a fan of winter soups, try this Pisan Vegetable Soup.
Zuppa Pisana [Vegetable Soup Pisan Style]
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Large pot
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 carrots chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 cup dried cannellini beans or 2 cups canned, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups kale stems removed and leaves chopped
- 2 large ripe tomatoes peeled and cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water
Instructions
- Soak Beans: If using dried beans, soak them in water overnight. For a quick start, use canned cannellini beans.1 cup dried cannellini beans
- Prepare Vegetables: Wash the kale, removing the tough center stems, and chop the leaves. Keep the potatoes in water after peeling and cubing to prevent browning.2 cups kale, 2 cups potatoes
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, along with the basil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften.2 carrots, 1 onion, 1 stalk celery, 2 tablespoons fresh basil, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, Salt and pepper
- Cook Potatoes and Beans: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and sauté for a few minutes. Then, mix in the beans and chopped kale. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer Soup: Add the tomatoes and cover everything with vegetable broth or water (about 6 cups). Season with more salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, until the vegetables are very tender and the flavors meld together.2 large ripe tomatoes, 6 cups vegetable broth or water
- Serve: Enjoy this warming soup with slices of toasted bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans and potatoes directly in the pot before serving.
- Substitute spinach if kale is not available.
- Canned beans can be used for convenience, reducing the cooking time.
Zuppa alla Pisana: A soup that every vegetable lover should try
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If you’re seeking an authentic taste of Pisa, Zuppa alla Pisana is an absolute must-try. This traditional soup encapsulates the essence of Tuscan cuisine,with each spoonful, you’re greeted with a comforting warmth that speaks volumes of its rustic charm and soul-nourishing qualities.
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Zuppa alla Pisana stands as a testament to the ingenious ways Italians transform humble ingredients into culinary masterpieces, showcasing the time-honored tradition of utilizing local produce to create dishes that both satisfy the palate and warm the heart.
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For those eager to delve deeper into the gastronomic delights of Pisa, explore the link here about an array of typical dishes from this enchanting city.