Creamy Parmesan Tuscano Soup

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Creamy Parmesan Tuscano Soup: A Rich and Flavorful Comfort Dish

If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and savory soup that’s perfect for any season, look no further than Creamy Parmesan Tuscano Soup. This soup combines rich, flavorful ingredients like parmesan cheese, tomato paste, and a variety of herbs to create a deliciously creamy base. With the addition of beans and spinach, it becomes a hearty dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer for your next gathering.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of making the perfect Creamy Parmesan Tuscano Soup. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, we’ll explore how the soup’s ingredients come together to create a flavorful, nutritious, and comforting meal.

Why Choose Creamy Parmesan Tuscano Soup?

Creamy Parmesan Tuscano Soup stands out for several reasons. Here’s why this soup is a great addition to your recipe repertoire:

1. Hearty and Comforting

The cannellini beans provide a creamy texture, while the parmesan rind infuses the soup with a deep umami flavor. When combined with the spinach and heavy cream, the soup achieves a rich, satisfying consistency that’s perfect for cold weather.

2. Balanced Flavor Profile

The blend of tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, and thyme creates a well-rounded flavor base that complements the creaminess of the soup. The parmesan rind adds a unique, savory depth, making each spoonful full of flavor.

3. Easy to Make

With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this soup can be made in about 50 minutes. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal or a special occasion, it’s both simple and elegant.

4. Customizable

This recipe is easily customizable. You can switch the vegetable stock for chicken stock, add more vegetables like carrots or celery, or adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to make the soup as mild or spicy as you like.

Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Tuscano Soup

To make this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic to create a flavorful base.
  • 1 sweet onion, diced – Adds natural sweetness and depth.
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced – For a burst of savory flavor.
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste – Seasoning to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Adds richness and a tangy flavor to the soup.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil – For an aromatic, earthy flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano – To enhance the herbaceous notes.
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme – For a subtle, savory background flavor.
  • 1 (14-ounce can) fire-roasted tomatoes – Adds a smoky, sweet tang that balances the richness of the cream.
  • 2 (14-ounce cans) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – Adds creaminess and texture to the soup.
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock – The liquid base for the soup.
  • 1 parmesan rind – Infuses the soup with savory umami flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the soup rich and creamy.
  • ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese – Adds extra flavor and thickens the soup.
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach (or frozen spinach) – For added nutrition and color.
  • Crushed red pepper – For a little spice and heat (optional, depending on your preference).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Parmesan Tuscano Soup

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced sweet onion and minced garlic, seasoning with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions soften and become translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the Tomato Paste and Herbs

Stir in the tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently. The tomato paste will darken slightly, and the herbs will begin to release their aromatic oils, adding depth to the flavor of the soup.

3. Add the Tomatoes, Beans, and Stock

Now, add the fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), the cannellini beans (drained and rinsed), and the vegetable or chicken stock. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes, covering the pot for the last 10 minutes.

4. Add the Parmesan Rind

Add the parmesan rind to the pot and let it simmer along with the other ingredients. The rind will infuse the soup with rich, savory umami flavors. Don’t forget to remove the rind before serving, as it is not edible.

5. Stir in the Cream and Cheese

Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Add the finely grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and combines smoothly into the soup. Then, add the spinach (fresh or frozen) and cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes even creamier.

6. Final Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If you want a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.

7. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. The parmesan will melt beautifully over the top, adding an extra layer of creamy texture and flavor. Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to complete the meal.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Parmesan Tuscano Soup

  • Use a Parmesan Rind: Don’t skip the parmesan rind. It adds an incredible amount of flavor and richness to the soup that’s hard to replicate with just parmesan cheese alone.
  • Customizing the Greens: While spinach is the star in this recipe, you can also add kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula for a different flavor profile.
  • Make It Vegan: For a plant-based version, substitute coconut cream or almond cream for the heavy cream and use vegan parmesan.
  • Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the beans and liquid using an immersion blender, or mash them with a potato masher before adding the cream.
  • Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat on the stovetop and add extra cheese if desired.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Tuscano Soup is the perfect dish to warm you up and fill you up with its hearty and comforting flavors. The combination of parmesan cheese, creamy beans, and savory herbs makes this soup a must-try for anyone who loves rich, satisfying dishes. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be tailored to your preferences, whether you’re adding extra veggies or making it spicier with crushed red pepper.

This soup is ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special gatherings. Give this recipe a try today, and you’ll soon be enjoying a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness that everyone will love.

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