This may well be my very favorite soup. It’s hard to just declare that because I love all my soups, but all right, I’ll just say it-it’s just perfect! That little touch of white wine just makes this soup divine! I have recently updated this recipe to include whatever favorite “greens” you like, right before you are about to serve it. I especially love this soup with fresh escarole. It’s a wonderful addition, both nutritionally and culinarily. This soup is so comforting, heartwarming, filling and all that a bowl of soup should be on a cold night in front of a roaring fire!
Ingredients
3 Tbsp organic olive oil
3 shallots, peeled and chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can organic diced tomatoes
3 large cans (1 lb 13 oz) white northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup white wine
6 cups water
2 bay leaves
1½ Tsp dry thyme (or 2 Tbsp fresh)
½ tsp dry rosemary
¾ tsp salt
fresh ground pepper
3 Tbsp stone-ground cornmeal (medium grind)
2 cups fresh escarole*, rinsed and chopped
* You can also use baby spinach, arugula, or kale if you prefer–whatever greens you have on hand!
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large cast-iron dutch oven (I like Le Creuset but any heavy bottom deep pan will do) over high heat, add the garlic and shallots and sautée for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves and continue to sautée over medium heat for another 5 minutes.
- Add the white wine, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and salt and continue to cook for a few more minutes while stirring.
- Add water and bring to a boil, reduce heat and add the drained beans to the pot and stir gently.
- Continue to simmer covered for another 25-30 minutes.
- Add the stone-ground cornmeal, one tablespoon at a time, stirring in between each so it doesn't clump.
- Turn off the heat and add the escarole while the soup is still hot (or whatever greens you prefer); keep covered for at least 5 minutes for the greens to cook down or until ready to serve.
- If you'd like your soup a little creamier, here is what I recommend you do, right before you put in the greens, use a smart stick hand blender to grind some of the beans to the desired creaminess.
This recipe originally appeared on Cuisinicity.com.
More recipes by Catherine:
Arctic Char Recipe with Grilled Pear
