Mediterranean Vegetable Bean Soup

 Mediterranean Turkey Vegetable Bean Soup

The coolness in the air means that it is officially soup season and I couldn't be happier! I adore soup. My soups, just like most of my pasta dishes evolve as I cook them. I have a general idea in mind and then I add as I think of what else I can use. This is the way my mother made her soups and having learned by watching and helping her it only makes sense that I cook in the same manner. Nothing was ever wasted in our house. The forgotten carrot at the bottom of the crisper or the little bit of leftover broccoli from the night before were always repurposed into the next night's meal. More often than not, they flavoured a delicious vegetable soup. 

This  Mediterranean Turkey Vegetable soup with creamy cannellini beans and fresh Swiss chard (bietola) from my mother’s garden was created with what I had in the house. I used up the last of my plum tomatoes to form a beautiful colour and more flavourful broth. Ingredients are below but please keep in mind that these are just suggestions as it really depends on what's in your fridge and freezer and what kind of soup your soul is asking for on that day!

As with all of my recipes and in keeping with Italian way of cooking, my measurements are just estimates and my spices are just recommendations. QB or Quanto Basta in my recipes means as much or as little as you would like and need. Cook by eye  👁(ad occhio) and let your taste buds be your guide.  Remember too season as you go along and build the flavours slowly. Taste test frequently to make sure it is to your liking and adjust if needed!

Here is how to make this delicious soup!

1. Start  by browning  1 pound of ground turkey in EVOO in a large stock pot. 
2. Add Italian seasonings to it such as dried oregano, thyme and basil. Add salt and pepper. 
3. Toss in diced onions, garlic, celery and peperoncino and let it sweat. 
4. Add 2 tbsp of tomato paste to the soffritto and stir in. Let it toast and caramelize a bit which brings out its intense flavour.
5. Then add the other ingredients in the order I have listed below. Allow a few minutes for each new addition and add seasonings as you go along. Easy on the salt and adjust as you need too!

🍲chopped fresh plum tomatoes or a jar of passata or canned plum tomatoes that you have crushed by hand. Allow time for tomatoes to cook down and release juices.
🍲rinsed can of cannellini beans (white kidney beans)
🍲vegetable or chicken stock to fully immerse ingredients
🍲chopped green of your choice. I used a combination of cabbage and swiss chard. Kale or spinach would work as well.
🍲parmigiano rind
🍲3 bay leaves
🍲bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Taste test and adjust! Ready in half hour!!!
A Mangia,
Elena 💚