TUSCAN VEGETABLE SOUP WITH WHITE BEANS AND PARMESAN

Tuscan Vegetable Soup with White Beans and Parmesan image

Yield Makes12 first-course or6 main-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 1-pound package dried cannellini (white kidney beans)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 head of green cabbage, cut into1/2-inch pieces
2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
4 celery stalks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
10 cups (or more) vegetable stock or canned vegetable broth
2 medium potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 head of red cabbage, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
6 3/4-inch-thick slices 7-grain bread, toasted
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)
Additional olive oil

Steps:

Place beans in heavy large pot. Pour in enough water to cover beans by 3 inches. Soak overnight. Drain beans.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in very large pot over medium heat. Add onion, thyme, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Add green cabbage, tomatoes, celery, and carrots; sauté 10 minutes. Add beans, 10 cups stock, potatoes, and basil. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1 hour. Add red cabbage and zucchini. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes longer. Uncover. Add toasted bread slices to soup and remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in cheese. Divide soup among bowls. Top each serving with ground pepper and additional olive oil and serve.