5 Italian soup recipes with the Chef Tip and Wine Pairing

1. Ribollita
By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis
History
Ribollita, a traditional Tuscan soup, originated as a peasant dish made from leftover bread and vegetables. It gets its name from the Italian word "ribollire," meaning "to reboil," as the soup is often reheated the next day for added flavor. A hearty, rich soup, Ribollita is a celebration of winter greens and stale bread.
Ingredients
500g cavolo nero (Tuscan kale) or regular kale, chopped
300g cabbage, shredded
2 large carrots, diced
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 can (400g) canned tomatoes, crushed
4 cups vegetable stock
4 slices stale bread
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
Instructions
Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots in olive oil until softened.
Add potatoes, cabbage, and kale, cooking for a few more minutes.
Pour in canned tomatoes and vegetable stock. Simmer for 40 minutes.
Add the stale bread, breaking it up, and cook for another 15 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and top with Parmigiano Reggiano before serving.
Wine Pairing 🍷
A Chianti Classico (red) complements the earthy flavors of Ribollita.
Chef Tip
For an even deeper flavor, let the soup sit overnight, as the bread will continue to absorb the broth and enhance the taste.
2. Minestrone alla Genovese
By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis
History
This hearty vegetable soup from Genoa is enriched with pesto, making it uniquely flavorful. Minestrone was traditionally made with whatever vegetables were in season, but the addition of basil and garlic elevates this soup to a delicious, fragrant experience.
Ingredients
200g potatoes, diced
200g zucchini, diced
100g carrots, diced
1 leek, sliced
1 can (400g) canned tomatoes, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
100g pasta (small types like ditalini or elbow)
2 tbsp pesto Genovese
Fresh basil for garnish
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large pot, sauté the leek, carrots, and zucchini in olive oil.
Add the potatoes, canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the pasta and cook until tender.
Stir in the pesto Genovese and adjust seasoning.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Wine Pairing 🍷
A Vermentino from Liguria or a Lugana DOC would complement the fresh vegetable flavors of this soup.
Chef Tip
For extra depth, add a spoonful of pesto just before serving to retain the bright basil flavor.
3. Zuppa di Fagioli (Tuscan Bean Soup)
By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis
History
This rustic, comforting soup from Tuscany is made with cannellini beans and typically flavored with garlic, sage, and rosemary. It was originally a peasant dish, often eaten with a slice of hearty bread.
Ingredients
500g cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 cups vegetable stock
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Fresh rosemary and sage
Salt & pepper to taste
Crusty Tuscan bread, for serving
Instructions
In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil.
Add the tomato paste, followed by the soaked beans and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 1–1.5 hours, until the beans are tender.
Add fresh rosemary and sage for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Serve with crusty bread and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Wine Pairing 🍷
A Chianti Classico or Sangiovese will pair beautifully, as their acidity cuts through the richness of the beans.
Chef Tip
For a smoother soup, blend half of the soup after it’s cooked, then return it to the pot to create a creamy texture without the need for cream.
4. Vellutata di Zucca (Pumpkin Soup)
By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis
History
A creamy, velvety pumpkin soup popular in the autumn months, Vellutata di Zucca comes from Emilia-Romagna. The sweetness of the pumpkin is balanced with savory herbs, creating a comforting dish perfect for cold weather.
Ingredients
500g pumpkin, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
1 leek, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp nutmeg
100ml cream (optional, for a richer soup)
Salt & white pepper to taste
Fresh sage leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Sauté onion and leek in olive oil until softened.
Add the pumpkin and cook for 5 minutes.
Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender.
Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in cream (if using) and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Garnish with crispy sage leaves before serving.
Wine Pairing 🍷
A Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay will complement the sweetness of the pumpkin, while not overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Chef Tip
For an extra layer of flavor, roast the pumpkin before adding it to the soup to enhance its natural sweetness.
5. Pasta e Fagioli
By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis
History
A classic Italian soup, Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting dish from Central Italy. The combination of pasta, beans, and simple vegetables has made this dish a beloved staple for generations. Every region has its version, but the heart of the soup remains the same—earthy beans and pasta in a rich, brothy base.
Ingredients
200g dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight
200g small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (400g) canned tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Fresh rosemary and parsley
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil.
Add the soaked beans, canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 1–1.5 hours.
Add the pasta and cook until tender.
Stir in fresh rosemary and parsley for flavor.
Season with salt and pepper and serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil.
Wine Pairing 🍷
A Montepulciano d'Abruzzo or Sangiovese will pair nicely, enhancing the hearty, earthy flavors of the beans and pasta.
Chef Tip
For extra flavor, add a parmesan rind while simmering the soup—it imparts a rich umami note.
These soups are full of Italian tradition, now with perfect wine pairings and chef tips to elevate your cooking experience. Buon appetito! 🍲
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