Ingredients:
– 2 cups of mixed beans (kidney beans, chickpeas, lima beans, cannellini beans)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 zucchini, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1 bay leaf
– 4 cups of vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Rinse the mixed beans in a colander and remove any debris or stones. Soak the beans in water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours.
2. Drain the beans and rinse them again. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until they become translucent.
3. Add the chopped carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
4. Add the cubed potato, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, and stir.
5. Add the soaked beans to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup becomes thickened.
7. Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, with crispy bread and some grated Parmesan cheese.
The flavor of Ustica’s bean soup comes from the combination of beans, vegetables, and herbs. The cooked vegetables add depth and richness to the broth. The tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried basil provide a mild & savory taste, and the bay leaf adds a subtle sweetness to the soup. Together these ingredients create an irresistible aroma and a robust flavor.
Preparing Ustica’s bean soup is relatively easy and requires minimal preparation time. The only task that needs more effort is soaking the beans beforehand. Soaking helps the beans to absorb water and soften up for cooking. However, if you’re short on time, you can speed up the process by using canned beans.
Traditionally, this soup is served as a main course with a side of bread and cheese. Focaccia or ciabatta bread goes perfectly with Ustica’s bean soup. You can also try sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley on top of the soup before serving.
In conclusion, Ustica’s bean soup is a delicious and wholesome dish, packed with plant-based nutrients, proteins, and fibers. It’s a complete meal on its own, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want something easy and satisfying for lunch. With this recipe, you can re-create the authentic taste of Italian cuisine at home and enjoy a taste of Ustica’s culinary heritage. Buon Appetito!