Creamy Italian White Bean Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• 4 cups cooked white beans (approximately 250 grams)
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Soak the white beans in water overnight or use canned cooked beans.
2. In a large pot, combine the beans, chicken broth, and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add the crushed garlic and chopped onion. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
6. If desired, add fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme.
7. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until the soup reaches a creamy consistency.
8. Serve hot with crusty bread or as a starter for a meal.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings) Calories: 330kcal, Fat: 22g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 12g, Fiber: 6g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich in flavor.
• Comforting and hearty, perfect for colder weather.
• Can be easily customized with different meats or vegetables.

User Comments:

• "The soup was so creamy and delicious! The perfect blend of flavors."
• "I added some cooked Italian sausage to make it more hearty. Great recipe!"
• "This soup was a hit with my family. We loved the creamy texture and the hint of basil."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use cooked white beans to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. If using raw beans, they will require longer cooking time.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste. Start with smaller amounts of seasoning and add more if needed.
• For a thicker soup, you can blend a small amount of the soup with an immersion blender or food processor before returning it to the pot.