Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped garlic, crushed red pepper, and chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the tomato flavor to develop fully.
- Add Stock and Main Ingredients: Pour in the vegetable stock, then add kosher salt to taste, the rinsed cannellini beans, and chopped ripe tomatoes. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften.
- Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it achieves a creamy and smooth consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with additional chili flakes and fresh thyme leaves for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock for a non-vegetarian version.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of vegetable stock or cook the soup longer to concentrate flavors.
- Fresh tomatoes are key for the best flavor, but canned whole peeled tomatoes can be used in a pinch.
- To make this soup vegan and gluten-free, ensure the vegetable stock used is both vegan and gluten-free certified.
- The cannellini beans add creaminess without the need for dairy, making this soup suitable for lactose intolerant individuals.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper amount according to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
