When it comes to comforting, soul-warming dishes, there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to make us feel right at home: a hearty bowl of soup. Whether it’s chilly weather or just the need for something wholesome, soup has a way of bringing people together. And if there’s anyone who knows how to create a soup that’s both heartwarming and flavorful, it’s none other than Lidia Bastianich. Known for her Italian culinary expertise, Lidia has crafted recipes that not only honor the rich traditions of Italian cooking but also bring those traditions to life with fresh, flavorful ingredients.
One of her standout creations is her Italian-style soup, a dish that incorporates the essence of Italy in every bite. Lidia’s soup recipe is simple, flavorful, and full of life, often making use of fresh vegetables, beans, and herbs, with the potential for a variety of twists and additions based on your preferences.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into Lidia Bastianich’s soup recipe, exploring its ingredients, cooking methods, and even some professional tips to elevate it further. Ready to bring some Italian warmth into your kitchen? Let’s get started!
Lidia Bastianich Soup Recipe
Lidia Bastianich’s soup recipe is an ideal representation of her cooking philosophy-simple yet refined. It draws upon traditional Italian flavors, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you’ve tried her recipe before or this is your first introduction, there’s something about the balance of flavors and textures that makes it unforgettable.
Here’s a version of her soup that’s packed with vegetables, beans, and a touch of Italian seasoning that brings comfort without feeling too heavy. The soup is bright, earthy, and subtly rich. The use of good-quality olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs ties the ingredients together, making this a nourishing, flavorful dish.
Ingredients Needed
Lidia’s soup is all about simplicity, but don’t let that fool you-each ingredient plays an important role in delivering the deep, layered flavors that are so characteristic of Italian cooking. Here’s everything you’ll need to gather:
- Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for sautéing your vegetables and infusing that rich, earthy flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic, finely chopped, will infuse the oil and form the aromatic base of your soup.
- Onions: Yellow onions bring a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Carrots: A few sliced carrots for a bit of crunch and natural sweetness.
- Celery: Sliced celery offers a slight bitterness and a crisp texture, balancing the sweetness of the carrots.
- Zucchini: This summer squash adds a tender texture that works well with the other vegetables.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or similar waxy potatoes provide creaminess and substance to the soup without turning mushy.
- Canned Beans (or dried beans): Cannellini beans or chickpeas-creamy and hearty, they add a rich body to the soup.
- Tomato Paste: A spoonful of tomato paste brings a slightly tangy, concentrated sweetness.
- Vegetable Broth: A rich, flavorful vegetable broth serves as the base of the soup.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, thyme, and rosemary are the go-to fresh herbs. These provide both fragrance and depth.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course! These basic seasonings bring out all the flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano adds a savory, umami kick that’s the perfect finishing touch.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the steps that’ll take you from ingredients to a pot of fragrant, flavorful soup. Don’t worry-this isn’t a complicated process, but rather one that allows you to enjoy the journey of cooking as much as the end result.
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing and slicing all your vegetables. Chop the onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. If using dried beans, make sure they’ve been soaked overnight and drained. Drain the canned beans if you’re using them.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and onions. Stir frequently for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Now, add the carrots, celery, zucchini, and potatoes to the pot. Stir the vegetables around, coating them in the oil and garlic mixture. Sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften slightly.
- Tomato Paste and Herbs: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the vegetables. Stir to coat and allow the paste to caramelize slightly, enhancing its flavor. Then, toss in the fresh thyme and rosemary (or dried, if that’s what you have), and stir everything together.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in your vegetable broth (about 4-6 cups, depending on how soupy you like it) and add the beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer for 25-30 minutes. The vegetables should be tender, and the flavors will meld together into a rich, aromatic broth.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. You might want to adjust the seasoning based on how rich your broth is and how much flavor the beans and vegetables have added.
- Finish and Serve: Once the soup has finished cooking, ladle it into bowls. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Ingredient Insights
Lidia’s soup recipe emphasizes the importance of fresh, quality ingredients. Here are a few highlights about the key ingredients:
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the cornerstone of Italian cooking, acting as both a cooking fat and a flavor enhancer. Its rich, fruity flavor adds depth to the soup from the very beginning.
- Beans: Beans like cannellini are rich in protein and fiber, giving the soup its heartiness without being overly heavy. They also have a smooth, creamy texture when cooked, making the broth naturally rich.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley bring balance to the soup’s flavor. They add fragrant notes that lift the soup’s base ingredients without overpowering them.
Expert Tips
- Broth Matters: For a really deep, satisfying flavor, consider making your own vegetable broth. If you don’t have the time, opt for a low-sodium store-bought variety to control the saltiness.
- Cooking Beans: If you’re using dried beans, remember they need to be soaked overnight. If you’re in a rush, canned beans are perfectly fine-just drain and rinse them to get rid of extra salt or preservatives.
- Herb Infusion: To prevent any unwanted pieces of rosemary or thyme in the soup, you can tie them in a cheesecloth or use a bouquet garni technique. This way, you get the flavor without the pieces floating around.
- Texture Variation: If you like a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup after it’s cooked, leaving a few chunks for texture.
Recipe Variations
Lidia’s soup recipe is versatile, and you can tweak it to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:
- Add Greens: Kale, spinach, or Swiss chard can be added in the final 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
- Pasta: Toss in some small pasta, like ditalini or orzo, for a heartier soup. Add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent it from getting too soft.
- Bacon or Sausage: If you want a richer, meaty version, sauté some pancetta, bacon, or Italian sausage in the pot before adding your vegetables.
- Tomato Twist: Add some chopped tomatoes or a splash of tomato sauce for a slightly tangier base.
Final Words
Lidia Bastianich’s soup recipe is one of those dishes that truly feels like home. It’s simple, flavorful, and comforting-perfect for any season. The best part? It’s incredibly adaptable. You can play around with different ingredients, adjust seasoning, or even transform the soup into a complete meal by adding pasta or protein.
FAQs
What Are Some Popular Lidia Bastianich Soup Recipes?
Lidia Bastianich is known for a variety of delicious soups, including classics like ’Minestrone’, ’Stracciatella Soup’, ’Lentil Soup’, ’Chicken Soup with Vegetables’, and ’Vegetable Soup with Pasta’. Her recipes often highlight fresh ingredients and traditional Italian flavors.
How Do You Make Lidia Bastianich’s Minestrone Soup?
Lidia’s Minestrone Soup is a hearty vegetable soup typically made with beans, pasta, tomatoes, and a variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and onions. It’s cooked with a flavorful broth and seasoned with Italian herbs. The recipe also includes a generous amount of Parmesan cheese and sometimes pancetta for extra depth of flavor.
What Ingredients Are Needed For Lidia Bastianich’s Stracciatella Soup?
Lidia’s Stracciatella Soup requires simple ingredients like chicken broth, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. The eggs are beaten and slowly poured into the simmering broth, creating delicate egg ribbons. The spinach adds a burst of freshness to the soup.
Can I Make Lidia Bastianich’s Soup Recipes Ahead Of Time?
Yes, many of Lidia Bastianich’s soups, such as minestrone and lentil soup, can be made ahead of time. In fact, they often taste better after sitting for a day or two as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.
Are Lidia Bastianich’s Soup Recipes Vegetarian?
Many of Lidia’s soups are vegetarian or can be adapted to be so. For example, her ’Vegetable Soup with Pasta’ and ’Lentil Soup’ are naturally vegetarian. However, some recipes, like her chicken or beef soups, include meat as a main ingredient. These can sometimes be made vegetarian by substituting the broth or proteins.
What Makes Lidia Bastianich’s Soup Recipes Unique?
Lidia Bastianich’s soup recipes stand out for their emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional Italian techniques. She often uses a combination of broths, fresh herbs, and high-quality cheeses like Parmesan to elevate the flavor. The recipes reflect her deep knowledge of Italian culinary traditions and her commitment to making food both comforting and flavorful.
How Can I Adjust The Seasoning In Lidia Bastianich’s Soup Recipes?
Lidia Bastianich’s soups are seasoned with a variety of herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. You can adjust the seasoning by adding more or less of these herbs according to your preference. If the soup tastes too bland, you can add a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar for acidity to enhance the flavors.
What Type Of Pasta Should I Use In Lidia Bastianich’s Soup Recipes?
Lidia Bastianich typically uses small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or orzo in her soups. These types of pasta absorb the flavors of the broth and mix well with the vegetables. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, but smaller shapes are usually recommended to maintain the soup’s texture.
Can I Make Lidia Bastianich’s Soups Gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt Lidia Bastianich’s soup recipes to be gluten-free by substituting gluten-free pasta and using a gluten-free broth. Many of her recipes, like lentil or vegetable soup, are naturally gluten-free and just need a few minor adjustments to ensure they meet dietary needs.
Where Can I Find Lidia Bastianich’s Soup Recipes?
Lidia Bastianich’s soup recipes can be found in her cookbooks, such as ’Lidia’s Italy’ and ’Lidia’s Favorite Recipes’. Additionally, many of her recipes are available online on her official website and on various cooking platforms like PBS or Food Network. Some of her soup recipes are also featured in cooking shows and YouTube videos.