When you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that brings a bit of Italian charm to your table, there’s nothing better than Zuppa del Giorno. Translated as “Soup of the Day,” this recipe is all about versatility, fresh ingredients, and the joy of cooking something new every time.
Esploriamo cosa rende questo piatto così speciale, condividiamo una ricetta facile e ti diamo qualche idea per personalizzare la tua versione. Che si tratti di una zuppa estiva leggera o di una sostanziosa ciotola invernale, Zuppa del Giorno ha qualcosa per tutti.
Learn more about the history of Italian soups and their cultural significance.
What is Zuppa del Giorno?
If you’ve ever seen “Zuppa del Giorno” on a menu at an Italian restaurant, you might have wondered what it means. Simply put, it’s the chef’s special soup for the day. It’s made fresh, often using seasonal vegetables and ingredients on hand, which means it can change daily.
What’s beautiful about Zuppa del Giorno is that it reflects the heart of Italian cooking: using simple, high-quality ingredients to create something truly delicious.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This Zuppa del Giorno Soup Recipe is perfect for so many reasons:
- Fresh and Seasonal: It’s a great way to showcase the best produce of the season.
- Easy to Customize: You can make it light and brothy or rich and hearty, depending on your mood.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 30-40 minutes, you’ll have a meal ready to enjoy.
Zuppa del Giorno Soup Recipe
Ingredients
For this version, we’re keeping it simple and versatile. Feel free to adjust based on what you have!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 2 cups seasonal vegetables (e.g., zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or potatoes – learn about the best potatoes for soups).
- 1 cup cooked beans (cannellini, chickpeas, or lentils)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Start with the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Build the flavor: Pour in the broth and add the tomatoes (if using), oregano, and basil. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the good stuff: Stir in your seasonal vegetables and beans. Lower the heat and let everything simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Finish it off: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with some crusty bread on the side.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of Zuppa del Giorno lies in its flexibility. Here are a few ways to change things up:
- Want something heartier? Add pasta, rice, or barley to the soup.
- Craving creaminess? Blend half the soup or stir in a splash of cream.
- Need more protein? Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
Whatever you choose, this soup can adapt to your preferences and what you have in your pantry.
What to Serve with Zuppa del Giorno
Pair your Zuppa del Giorno Soup with these simple sides for a complete meal:
- Focaccia or Ciabatta Bread: Perfect for soaking up the broth.
- Mixed Green Salad: Light and refreshing, it complements the soup beautifully.
- Bruschetta: Add a crunchy, tangy touch to your meal.
FAQs about Zuppa del Giorno
Q: What is Zuppa del Giorno Soup?
A: It’s the Italian “Soup of the Day,” made fresh with seasonal ingredients.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes! Use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan garnish for a vegan version.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Why Zuppa del Giorno is Worth Trying
There’s something magical about a dish that changes with the seasons. The Zuppa del Giorno Soup Recipe allows you to be creative, use what’s fresh, and enjoy something new every time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this versatile soup will always be a winner.
So, what’s your Zuppa del Giorno today? Try this recipe and make it your own!
Want to elevate your soup game? Learn about the best potatoes for soups to choose the perfect variety for your Zuppa del Giorno.
Zuppa del Giorno Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Garlic press (optional)
- Vegetable peeler
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 cup diced tomatoes optional
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Seasonal Add-Ins
- 2 cups seasonal vegetables e.g., zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or green beans
- 1 cup cooked beans e.g., cannellini beans, chickpeas, or lentils
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Pour in 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add diced tomatoes (if using), dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir to combine.
- Add your choice of seasonal vegetables and cooked beans to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings if needed for desired flavor.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side dish.
Notes
Tips for Customization
- Add pasta, rice, or barley for a heartier version.
- Blend part of the soup for a creamy texture.
- Include diced chicken or sausage for extra protein.
- Swap beans for lentils for a Mediterranean twist.
