Zuppa alla Canavese

Ingredients

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable stock 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 4 slices crusty bread, preferably Italian or French baguette 4 slices crusty bread, preferably Italian or French baguette
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (Sugars: 8g)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized and golden brown, stirring occasionally for about 20-25 minutes.
2. 2.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and add the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. 3.
   While the soup is simmering, toast the slices of crusty bread until golden and crispy.
4. 4.
   Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the soup. Ladle the soup into individual bowls and place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl.
5. 5.
   Serve the Zuppa alla Canavese hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Onions — Make sure to slice the onions thinly and cook them slowly over medium heat to achieve the desired caramelization.
• Crusty bread — Choose a bread with a firm crust and a soft interior, such as Italian or French baguette, to add texture and thickness to the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the caramelized onions before adding the stock.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the toasted bread.
• Customize the soup by adding other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for topping, such as Pecorino Romano or Gruyère, to add a unique twist to the dish.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to adjust the consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the Zuppa alla Canavese as a comforting main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany it with a side salad or a plate of fresh vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Don't forget to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

When serving the Zuppa alla Canavese, make sure to place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl, allowing it to soak up the flavorful broth. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh thyme for an elegant touch. Serve the soup in rustic bowls or deep plates to showcase its rustic charm.