There is a simple trick Italian home cooks have used forever to turn ordinary soups into something extra savory and satisfying. It is not fancy, expensive, or complicated. In fact, you may have thrown it away without realizing its value.
Italian Soups
There are some truly exceptional soups all over the world, but the Italians have really mastered the art. From simple vegetable soups to hearty bean and pasta varieties, Italian soups are some of the very best.
But do you know why their soups are at the front of the pack? (Be sure to read on for our top recipes using this “Secret” ingredient!)
It’s the parmesan rind.
That’s right! That hard, waxy end piece left after grating your cheese is a flavor bomb waiting to be used. When it simmers in a pot of soup, it slowly melts its salty, nutty essence into the broth. Even the simplest minestrone suddenly feels layered and full.
Using a rind is incredibly easy. Just drop one into your pot while the soup simmers. Let it do its job quietly in the background. If you want to plan ahead, keep your leftover rinds in a freezer bag so you always have one ready.
Italians have known this for generations. Once you try it, you will wonder how you ever made soup without this tiny secret!
Our Tops “Secret” Ingredient Soup Recipe:
I usually like to throw a chunk of parmesan rind in just about any soup I make. But here are a few of our recipes that feature it as an ingredient:
Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a restaurant classic featuring hearty meatballs and pasta in a light and flavorful broth.
Tuscan White Bean Soup (Ribollita)
Tuscan White Bean Soup, or Ribollita, is a soul warming bowl of comfort. This hearty, rustic soup is a classic dish that has been cooked in peasants’ kitchens for centuries.
Pasta e Fagioli
Pasta e Fagioli, AKA Pasta Fazool in many Italian-American communities, is a classic soup of pasta and beans that will warm your soul.
Meatball Minestrone Soup
How do you make soup into a meal? Simple… you add meatballs into the pot. Everyone’s favorite Minestrone Soup gets more wholesome and comforting by adding these plump chicken meatballs.
Italian Sausage Soup
This easy Italian Sausage Soup with white beans and veggies is a cozy pot perfect for chilly nights, but we love it all year long!
Pesto Tortellini Soup
This Pesto Tortellini Soup is the super cozy bowl of delicious you need in your life. Soft, pillowy tortellini swim in a magical pesto broth, along with chicken and veggies.
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former worldwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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