| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 200 | 4.5g | 0.6g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 6.7g | 10g | 0.7g |
I’ve always been a lover of hearty, robust meals, those true crowd-pleasers that more than satisfy your hunger. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that does exactly that: Turnip Green and White Bean Soup. This delightful, vegetable-filled bowl of goodness not only draws from my fondness for wholesome, earthy ingredients, but also introduces a touch of Italian influence, thereby creating a unique blend of rustic, hearty flavors that stimulate your taste buds and warm your soul.
The Inspiration Behind The Soup
While I often derive my culinary inspiration from my Rocky Mountain roots, this Turnip Green and White Bean Soup actually draws from a wide mix of culinary cultures. Root vegetables like turnip greens have long been staples in my home kitchen, as they’re not just plentiful and abundant in Colorado but also packed with health benefits. Turnip greens are known for their high content of vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and a variety of antioxidants, all essential for a strong and healthy body. The addition of white beans, on the other hand, brings a delightful creaminess to the soup that reminds me of Tuscany’s timeless Ribollita. The white beans are also a power-packed source of protein, making this soup perfect for those chilly nights when you need a nourishing bowl of comfort.
Pairing Suggestions
On its own, this Turnip Green and White Bean Soup is a delightful one-pot meal that’s satisfyingly hearty and robust. However, it can also pair beautifully with a number of other dishes, making it a wonderfully versatile option. Those who enjoy a bit of crunch with their soup might find it pairs well with a crunchy Bruschetta or buttery homemade garlic bread. On the other hand, if you’re in need of something refreshing on the side, a tangy Lemon Arugula Spinach Salad would provide a beautiful contrast to the soup’s hearty flavors.
Whether you enjoy this Turnip Green and White Bean Soup on its own or as part of a mouthwatering feast, the balance of leafy greens, protein-rich beans, and aromatic herbs is sure to evoke an irresistible symphony of flavors. It’s more than just a meal, it’s an experience – one that makes you feel close to nature and closer to your loved ones. That’s why I love this recipe, and I hope you will too.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of turnip greens, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) of white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Grated parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot. While the oil heats, dice 1 medium onion and 2 cloves of garlic.
Step Two
Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion to the pot, stirring until the onion becomes translucent. After this, add the minced garlic and continue to stir for another minute.
Step Three
To the same pot, add 1 cup of chopped turnip greens and stir them with the onion and garlic until they are wilted.
Step Four
After the greens have wilted, add 1 can of rinsed and drained white beans to the pot. Mix well to combine with the other ingredients.
Step Five
Next, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step Six
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step Seven
After simmering, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the pot and stir.
Step Eight
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Turnip Green and White Bean Soup!
