## Quick & Easy Provençal Tomato and Bean Soup: A Taste of the South of France in Minutes
Craving a taste of the Mediterranean without spending hours in the kitchen? This Provençal Tomato and Bean Soup is your answer! It’s a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy soup that comes together in under 30 minutes. Packed with sun-ripened tomato flavors, hearty beans, and fragrant herbs, this soup is a comforting and healthy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
This recipe is inspired by the simple, rustic cuisine of Provence, a region in southeastern France known for its fresh produce, aromatic herbs, and delicious stews. While traditional Provençal soups can be quite elaborate, this version streamlines the process without sacrificing any of the authentic flavors. We’ll be using canned tomatoes and beans to save time, but the addition of fresh herbs and a touch of olive oil will transport you straight to the French countryside.
**Why You’ll Love This Soup:**
* **Quick & Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** Bursting with the bright, sunny flavors of Provence.
* **Healthy:** Packed with vegetables, beans, and healthy fats.
* **Versatile:** Easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable pantry staples.
* **Vegan & Gluten-Free:** Naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary restrictions.
**Ingredients You’ll Need:**
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:
* **Olive Oil:** The foundation of any good Mediterranean dish. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Onion:** Adds a savory base to the soup.
* **Garlic:** Essential for that classic Provençal flavor.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** The star of the show! Use good quality diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth.
* **Canned Cannellini Beans (or other white beans):** Provide heartiness and protein. Great Northern beans or navy beans also work well.
* **Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth):** Adds depth of flavor. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
* **Dried Herbs de Provence:** A blend of herbs typical of the Provence region, usually including thyme, rosemary, oregano, savory, and marjoram. If you don’t have Herbs de Provence, you can use a combination of these individual herbs.
* **Bay Leaf:** Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (optional):** For a touch of heat.
* **Salt & Pepper:** To taste.
* **Fresh Parsley (for garnish):** Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
* **Fresh Basil (for garnish, optional):** Adds a touch of sweetness and aroma.
* **Crusty Bread (for serving):** Perfect for dipping into the soup.
**Detailed Instructions:**
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own Provençal Tomato and Bean Soup:
**Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics**
* Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add 1 diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
**Why this step is important:** Sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil releases their flavors and creates a flavorful base for the soup.
**Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth**
* Pour in one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes (undrained). If you’re using crushed tomatoes, you may want to add a little extra broth to achieve your desired consistency.
* Add one 15-ounce can of cannellini beans (drained and rinsed). Rinsing the beans removes excess starch and sodium.
* Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth). You can adjust the amount of broth depending on how thick you like your soup.
**Step 3: Season and Simmer**
* Add 1 tablespoon of dried Herbs de Provence, 1 bay leaf, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the broth and canned tomatoes already contain some salt, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
* Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. You can simmer it for up to an hour for an even richer flavor.
**Why this step is important:** Simmering the soup allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together, creating a more complex and delicious taste.
**Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Remove Bay Leaf**
* After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Herbs de Provence to achieve your desired flavor.
* Remove the bay leaf before serving.
**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
* Ladle the soup into bowls.
* Garnish with fresh parsley and basil (if using).
* Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.
* Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
**Variations and Tips:**
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, zucchini, or spinach. Add heartier vegetables like carrots and celery along with the onion and garlic. Add more delicate vegetables like zucchini and spinach in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a spicier soup, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Make it Creamy:** For a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
* **Add Sausage:** For a heartier soup, add some cooked sausage, such as Italian sausage or chorizo. Brown the sausage in the pot before adding the vegetables.
* **Use Different Beans:** Experiment with different types of beans, such as Great Northern beans, navy beans, or kidney beans.
* **Add Pasta:** Small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo can be added during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
* **Make it a Meal:** Add a side salad or grilled cheese sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Make it Ahead:** This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually improve over time.
* **Freeze it:** Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Use Fresh Tomatoes:** If you have fresh tomatoes, you can use them instead of canned tomatoes. You’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Peel and chop them before adding them to the soup. You may also need to add a little tomato paste for a richer flavor.
* **Garlic Lovers:** Don’t be shy with the garlic! Adding an extra clove or two will intensify the flavor of the soup.
* **Herbs de Provence Substitute:** If you don’t have Herbs de Provence, you can create your own blend using dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, savory, and marjoram. Use equal parts of each herb.
* **Deglaze the Pot:** After sautéing the onion and garlic, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine or dry sherry. This will help to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pot and add extra flavor to the soup. Cook for a minute or two until the alcohol evaporates before adding the tomatoes.
* **Roast the Tomatoes:** For a deeper, more intense tomato flavor, you can roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Toss the diced tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs de Provence, then roast them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
* **Add a Parmesan Rind:** Adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers will add a rich, umami flavor. Remove the rind before serving.
* **Use Homemade Broth:** If you have homemade vegetable or chicken broth, it will add even more flavor to the soup.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve with a crusty baguette or sourdough bread for dipping.
* Top with a dollop of pesto or a swirl of crème fraîche.
* Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
* Serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple salad.
* Pair with a glass of dry rosé wine for a truly Provençal experience.
**Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):**
* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 10-12g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 8-10g
**This Provençal Tomato and Bean Soup is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of the South of France. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, put on some French music, and get ready to transport yourself to the sun-drenched hills of Provence! Bon appétit!**
**Enjoy!**