Loaded with flavor and seasonal-survival immunity boosting ingredients
Hearty Tuscan Soup made with bone broth and fresh veggies is the best way to strengthen your immunity and fight off winter colds and flu.
We usually start our chicken bone broth with a leftovers from a store-purchased rotisserie chicken. Put the leftover bird in a stockpot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Allow to cook for about 20-30 minutes, then turn off the heat and allow all to cool before refrigerating. When you’re ready to use, warm the broth, remove the bird and debone the meat. We’ve found that it’s a great immunity booster for sick pets, too.
| Cook Time: | 30 min |
| Prep Time: | 20 min |
| Servings: | 6 – 8 |
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ cup chopped Onion
- ½ cup chopped Celery
- ½ cup chopped Carrots
- 2 fresh Zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and then chopped into 1/4 inch slices
- 4 cloves Garlic, chopped
- 4 cups Chicken or Beef Bone Broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced Tomatoes
- 1 can Cannellini Beans
- 3 oz Pancetta or Bacon, diced and browned
- 2 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 – 2 tablespoons Chicken Bouillon Paste
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 8 ounces Ditalini Pasta* OR 1/2 cup Farro
- 1 teaspoon Fish Sauce (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Mushroom Soy Sauce (or to taste)
- Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
- 12 – 16 ounces chopped Kale Greens
- Parmigiano Reggiano or Romano cheese, shredded
Optional, may use a combination
- 1 pound Italian-style Meatballs, cooked
- 2 cups cooked and shredded Chicken
- 2 cups diced, cooked Spicy Italian Sausage
Preparation
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add EVOO and chopped onions, celery, carrots and zucchini. Saute until veggies begin to soften, add garlic and saute another minute or two until fragrant. Saute diced pancetta or bacon in a small skillet, drain and set aside.
- While veggies are cooking, drain and rinse can of cannellini beans, set aside. Once veggies are soft, add broth, diced tomatoes with juice, drained beans, browned pancetta or bacon, Italian seasoning, bouillon paste and Bay leaves. Stir together and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Once soup has simmered to meld flavors, add pasta or farro, fish sauce, mushroom soy sauce and kale. Add meatballs, shredded chicken or sausage, as desired. Simmer until pasta is al dente or farro is cooked, about 8 – 10 minutes. Spoon into bowls and top with shredded cheese. Don’t forget to remove the Bay leaves!
Wine Pairing Guide
Want to know more about how to select the best bottle for your budget? You can find a great bottle at any price range if you know how to determine quality vs. price. Learn more in our primer Selecting the Best Wine for Your Budget.
In general, pricing is a guideline as to the style of wine making in red wines. Less expensive reds are made to enjoy as soon as you uncork. Pour and enjoy! More expensive reds typically need 20 to 40 minutes to decant (breathe) to enjoy to their fullest.
