Zuppa di Fagioli Borlotti: A Comforting Italian Bean Soup

Zuppa di Fagioli Borlotti is a classic Italian bean soup that showcases the delicious flavors of Borlotti beans, also known as cranberry beans. This hearty dish is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a cozy meal any day of the week. The great thing about this soup is its versatility; it can be served as a starter or a main course, and you can easily adapt it to suit various dietary needs. From my own personal experience, this soup brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you. So, let me show you how I make this delightful Zuppa di Fagioli Borlotti.

Notes on What to Expect

Expect a rich, flavorful soup that fills your kitchen with the comforting aromas of Italian cuisine. The creamy texture combined with the hearty beans makes this dish satisfying and perfect for a chilly day.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Time to Stand: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: Approximately 220 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $10-$15
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main or Starter
• Equipment Needed: Large pot, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, immersion blender (optional).
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Zuppa di Fagioli Borlotti  here.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Borlotti beans (dried or canned; if using dried, soak them overnight)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Zuppa di Fagioli Borlotti  here.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

If you’re using dried Borlotti beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse them before cooking. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Stir in the diced tomatoes, along with the soaked (or canned) Borlotti beans. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the vegetable broth, add the bay leaf, and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the soup for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender (if using dried beans, it may take longer).

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

After the beans are tender, you can use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup for a creamier texture while leaving some beans whole for added texture. This step is optional and depends on your texture preference.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Remove the bay leaf, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Variations

• Add Greens: Stir in some chopped kale or spinach in the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Meat Option: For a heartier soup, add diced pancetta or Italian sausage during the sautéing step.
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Zuppa di Fagioli Borlotti  here.

Tips and Substitutions

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free; just make sure any broth or stock you use is certified gluten-free.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: Approximately 220
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sodium: Varies based on broth used

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Zuppa di Fagioli Borlotti seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment! Enjoy your cooking adventure!