Italian Rice and Endive Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) Arborio rice 1 cup (200g) Arborio rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 2 cups (475ml) water 2 cups (475ml) water
• 2 endives, chopped 2 endives, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Extra virgin olive oil, for garnish Extra virgin olive oil, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir well to coat the grains with the oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the rice starts to turn slightly golden.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and water, and add the chopped endives, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. 6.
   Serve the Italian Rice and Endive Soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Arborio rice — Rinse the rice under cold water before using to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
• Endive — Choose fresh endive with crisp leaves. Remove any wilted or discolored outer leaves before chopping.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before serving.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors of the soup.
• Substitute the vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer taste.
• Customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as carrots or celery.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Italian Rice and Endive Soup hot in individual bowls. Sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for added richness and flavor. Accompany the soup with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Italian Rice and Endive Soup in a rustic ceramic bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread for an inviting and appetizing presentation.