Creamy Cannellini Bean Amaranth Soup With Basil Recipes

CREAMY CANNELLINI SOUP

Steps:

• Combine onion, sausage, and celery in a large saucepan. Cook until sausage has no pink remaining. Drain any fat.
• Add potato, seasoning, one can of cannellini beans, and 3 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine remaining cannellini beans and 1 cup chicken broth in a blender. Blend until smooth.
• Add to soup and simmer an additional 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat, stir in pesto. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

TUSCAN CANNELLINI BEAN SOUP (VEGETARIAN)

Steps:

• Rinse beans well and place in a large pot. Cover with 4 quarts (or a little less than 4 litres) of water. Bring to a boil, cover and turn off the heat. Allow to soak for 1 hour.
• Place the olive oil, onions and garlic in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. When the garlic begins to sizzle, after about 30 seconds, add the carrots and celery and continue to cook, stirring, for about 5 minute Stir in the tomatoes, basil and parsley and cook, stirring occasionally, for an additional 3 minute.
• Add 6 cups of the soaked beans, cover with 10 cups of cold water and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the beans are tender and creamy, at least 1 ½ but up to 2 ½ hours. Add water if necessary to achieve desired consistency; the soup should be thick. Add the salt halfway through the cooking.
• Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

ITALIAN CANNELLINI BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• In 3 1/2 quart dutch oven over medium heat, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook pancetta in oil for 5 minutes, Add onion, carrot and celery and cook 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add beans, broth and thyme and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
• Take off heat and puree with immersion blender until smooth. Stir in cheese. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
• Slice a baguette loaf into 1/2" slices. Brush both sides of slices with olive oil. Salt both sides. Toast bread until golden. Top toasted slices with a good tapenade spread (I use Trader Joes' tomatoe and fresh basil brushetta.
• Serve and enjoy.