Tomato and Cannellini Bean Soup

Ingredients for Tomato and Cannellini Bean Soup

• 240ml dried cannellini or other small white beans, soaked overnight

• 1 onion, quartered through root end

• 4 garlic cloves, crushed

• 2 bay leaves

• Kosher salt

• 60ml olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling

• 1 (800g can) whole peeled tomatoes, drained

• 1/2 teaspoons (or more) crushed red Pepper flakes

• Kosher salt

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 fennel bulb, cored, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, very thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon Sherry vinegar

• 950ml low-sodium vegetable broth

• 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed, leaves torn into pieces

• Chopped unsalted, roasted almonds (for serving)

How to make Tomato and Cannellini Bean Soup

Beans Combine beans, onion, garlic, and bay leaves in a large pot and add cold water to cover by 2". Bring to a simmer over medium heat, add several pinches of salt, and reduce heat to low. Continue to cook at a bare simmer until beans are creamy but still hold their shape, 35-45 minutes. Let beans cool in cooking liquid; discard bay leaves.

Beans can be cooked 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high. Add tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and cook tomatoes, undisturbed, until caramelized and borderline blackened on one side, about 5 minutes. Break up tomatoes, scraping bottom of pot, and continue to cook, scraping and stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are caramelized all over, about 5 minutes more. Transfer tomatoes to a plate.

Heat another 2 tablespoons oil in same pot over medium. Add onion, fennel, garlic, and a pinch or so of red pepper flakes, if desired; cook, stirring often, until vegetables are soft and starting to brown around edges, 8-10 minutes. Stir in vinegar and tomatoes, scraping up browned bits. Drain beans and add to pot along with broth (for a thicker soup, use half of the broth plus 475ml bean-cooking liquid). Bring to a simmer; season with salt. Cook until flavours meld, 30–45 minutes.

Just before serving, stir in chard and cook until wilted. Ladle soup into bowls, top with almonds, and drizzle with oil.

Soup (without chard) can be made 4 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.