Calabrese Style Soup

Calabrese Style Soup

This Calabrese Style Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish inspired by the cuisine of Calabria, Italy. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, diced
• 5 stalks celery, cut into pieces
• 1 can of cici beans (or soaked dry beans)
• 1 quart of water or chicken stock
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• Optional: carrots, tomato
• 1 cup cooked pasta (any small variety)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Onion: Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Celery: Add the celery pieces and cook until slightly softened, about 5 more minutes.

Step 2: Add Beans and Liquid

1. Add Beans: Stir in the cici beans.
2. Add Liquid: Pour in the water or chicken stock. If using Better than Bouillon, dissolve it in the water before adding.
3. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until all the ingredients are tender.
2. Optional Vegetables: If using, add carrots and tomatoes at this stage.

Step 4: Cook and Add Pasta

1. Cook Pasta Separately: Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Add Pasta to Soup: Once the soup is cooked, add the cooked pasta to the pot.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Adjust Consistency: Adjust the consistency by adding more water if desired.
2. Add Parsley: Stir in the fresh Italian parsley towards the end of cooking.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve Hot: Serve the soup hot and enjoy the hearty flavors.

Tips

• Beans: Soaked dry beans can be used for a more authentic taste, but canned beans work well for convenience.
• Broth: Using chicken stock or Better than Bouillon adds more depth to the flavor.
• Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like carrots and tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
• Pasta: Cooking the pasta separately helps to prevent it from becoming mushy in the soup.

Conclusion

Calabrese Style Soup is a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy making and savoring this classic Italian soup!

Calabrese Style Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 5 stalks celery, cut into pieces
• 1 can of cici beans (or soaked dry beans)
• 1 quart of water or chicken stock
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• Optional: carrots, tomato

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat and fry the diced onion until translucent.
2. Add the celery pieces to the pot and cook until slightly softened.
3. Stir in the cici beans and pour in the water or chicken stock.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add fresh Italian parsley towards the end of cooking.
5. Simmer the soup for about 20 minutes or until all the ingredients are tender.
6. Meanwhile, cook the pasta separately according to package instructions.
7. Once the soup is cooked, add the cooked pasta to the pot.
8. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if desired.
9. Experiment with additional vegetables like carrots and tomatoes if desired.

Enjoy your hearty Calabrese Style Soup!

Calabrese Style Soup

Fry one large onion in olive oil. Add about 5 stalks celery cut in pieces. I add one can of cici beans (better if you soak the dry ones overnight but I am lazy). I add about a quart of water or chicken stock. I like to use better than bouillon chicken flavored. Salt and pepper to taste and add fresh Italian parsley towards the end. It usually only takes about 20 minutes or so to cook. I cook the pasta separately and add about 1 cup or so cooked pasta. You can add more water if you like it more soupy. I have also added carrots and you can add tomato as well. Experiment.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup uncooked small pasta shells
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, kidney beans, pasta shells, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
5. Serve hot.