Description
Sardinian Herb Soup is a wholesome Italian vegetable soup inspired by traditional Sardinian flavors. This hearty, vegan-friendly soup features a medley of fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth, delivering a comforting and healthy meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chopped Swiss chard or spinach
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Serving
- Crusty bread or toasted pane carasau for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
- Add root and squash vegetables: Stir in the peeled and cubed potato along with the diced zucchini. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Add beans and broth: Add the drained cannellini beans followed by the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Incorporate greens and herbs: Stir in the chopped Swiss chard or spinach along with all the fresh herbs—parsley, mint, basil, and rosemary. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the greens have wilted and the soup releases a fragrant aroma.
- Season and serve: Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Serve the soup hot alongside crusty bread or toasted pane carasau for a traditional Sardinian touch.
Notes
- This soup is inspired by traditional Sardinian flavors, known for their simplicity and use of fresh herbs.
- You can customize the recipe by adding pasta, lentils, or other seasonal greens for variety.
- A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil on top just before serving adds a flavorful finishing touch.
- To keep the soup gluten-free, serve without bread or with gluten-free bread.
