Italian white bean soup

Undeniable

This Italian white bean soup with fresh herbs is undeniably easy, healthy and satisfying. It’s great on its own, right out of the pan, but add a bit of hemp seed Parmesan (or other plant-based Parmesan) and be prepared to get your soup buzz on with this hearty plant-based booster.

Because fresh herbs are a good thing

Adding fresh thyme, rosemary and basil results a more complex flavor even when using a few simple ingredients. The woody stems of the thyme and rosemary tell you they are hearty herbs which means that you can add them at the beginning of the cooking process. I like to take the leaves off by running my fingers down the stems. Chopping either herb isn’t ideal because the stalks are not tender. Reserve the delicate fresh basil for the end. You don’t want it to have a breakdown.

A few become mighty

Italian white bean soup is simplicity in terms of ingredients. The combination of shallots (sweeter than white onions). I choose shallots because they have a sweeter, milder taste with a hint of garlic.

My advice though is that you pick up a bag of shallots They are perfect for dressings because they have the capacity of adding a great flavor without overwhelming.

The great green

Undoubtedly, kale is good for us. Personally, I love kale in salads. It holds up so you can dress it and eat the leftovers the next day and still have a crunchy salad. Kale will soften as it’s cooked, but if you find it too chewy, try chopping it a bit finer. That will help to mellow out the mouthfeel that might be putting you off.

Quick wins

Quick, simple soups are real winners when it comes to health and satisfaction. I’ve found that having soup at the ready is the perfect ‘something’ to replace an unhealthy snack attack. In my opinion, it’s a bit underrated as a post-workout pick-me-up. Seriously, don’t offer me a smoothie when I can have the better fiber of a soup with chopped veggies. Fiber’s a filler upper. Besides, most soups freeze well which means you will always have a supply.

Final thoughts

Even before I followed a plant-based diet I knew about the virtues of soup. But knowing something doesn’t magically translate into practice. Effort and action are required catalysts.  I agree, making soup Sometimes the effort is just a quick pot of soup, but sometimes it’s a long trip with multiple turns and barriers. As long as we know the destination is worthy, it’s worth the effort. Peace.  

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