Ribollita with Warm Croutons, also known as Italian Soup, is a quick and easy, white bean and kale soup packed with nourishing and comforting ingredients. Vegan.
Hey y’all! Hows your week going? I’m still trying to get my head into the January game. My body is home, but my head is still in Hawaii.
I was telling y’all last week about some of our adventures in Kauai, but didn’t quite get to the food scene or why I was locked in the men’s bathroom for over an hour. After all, there’s so much to tell!
The food scene on Kauai is vibrant with roadside fruit stands, a fabulous food truck assortment, farm-to-table restaurants and plenty of juice and smoothie bars to choose from. We ate in quite a bit though, making easy brekkies, dinners, and hearty salads and sandwiches on the days when ocean gazing and beach lounging was the priority.
It seems like most of the farm stands are located on the East and North sides of the Island. They sell papayas, coconut, pineapple, all kinds of citrus, mango and the most amazing avocado, all on the honor system, so they’re open 24/7, just in case you need a pineapple at 2 am. We wore out the blender making smoothies and pina coladas every day. Guacamole was on the regular, more than I’ve ever had in a 10-day period. I attempted to bring some avocados home with me, but was stopped at the USDA inspection station. They were confiscated along with two limes. I wanted to throw a fit like a two-year-old. I resisted.
For veggie tacos (and for Rob, fish), our pick is Tacos Al Pastor in Kappa. It’s a food truck that’s assembled with several others on the main drag. Service was excellent, the food was fresh and seasoned perfectly. The veggies still had a crunch to them, with variety, not boring at all, packed in warmed corn tortillas topped with avocado and a spicy, fresh cilantro sauce that was slathered over the top.
Next to the taco truck was an organic shave ice truck where they make their syrups from scratch! I was most impressed and ordered watermelon. An antidote to the blazing 75F temperature.
One early morning, we stopped at a little juice/breakfast bar that whipped up some fabulous breakfast burritos, fresh-pressed juice and smoothies. There seemed to be a fresh juice bar in every town! A relief for someone who uses a Vitamix each and every day. I honestly contemplated taking it with us, but ooooh that bag fee!
One worry when traveling for me is not being able to find local and organic produce because I cook, pack out lunches, and whip up breakkies even when on vacation. I’m kinda picky when it comes to food. Rob and I find it saves quite a bit of money, so the extra we may spend on a rental through AirBnB or VRBO is balanced with the food cost savings. It’s a win-win!
Papayas is a foodie delight co-op tucked away in a shopping area in the heart of Kapaa. It was a regular pit-stop for local produce, more fruit, bulk items and anything else we needed. It was well-stocked, and, surprisingly, the prices are in line with our co-op at home. I planned meals carefully so that I wouldn’t over-buy. After all, having a 50-pound limit on luggage is something I don’t want to exceed.. and some things cannot be brought home (re: avocados and lime).
One evening we were at a farm-to-table Taquera. Rob left for the men’s room. When he returned, I took his key for this community restroom, a separate building from the restaurant. It was the men’s key, but I didn’t care. I was too impatient to wait for the women’s room. The maitai was kickin in. I opened the door and threw the deadbolt. When I went to leave, the deadbolt didn’t function. As much as I turned the knob, nothing happened. It was like a bad dream!
Luckily, the bathroom was clean and there was a small open window with a good breeze at the top of the back wall. As I contemplated my situation, I decided that things could be worse. So I waited, patiently for about five minutes before I started kicking the door. First, not so hard, then harder, you know, to make some noise. After about five more minutes of this I started getting mad… where the hell is Rob, I thought. Then, I started kicking the door and shouting (so embarrassing), can somebody help me…. I’m locked in the men’s bathroom.
MmmmK… crickets.
Can you imagine?
Finally one of the waitresses came out and then I heard Rob’s voice. What a relief! About an hour later, with a chiseled out deadbolt and kicked-in door. I was rescued.
Hooray!
When Rob was in there prior to my being locked in, he hadn’t thrown the deadbolt. He asked why I did. Good grief.
Oh there’s so much more…. but we’ve gotta talk about this quick and easy over-the-top Italian soup! I’ve shaken up the classic Ribollita with this recipe, leaving out the meat and most of the bread, and cooking this fast. But it doesn’t lack for flavor. I’ve been making this for years and find it to be my go-to on nights I want something hearty, comforting, quick and easy.
This is it!
the recipe
Ribollita with Warm Croutons
Ingredients
- 2 C Homemade Croutons 140g
- 1 T Olive Oil
- 3/4 C Purple or Yellow Onion small dice, 90g
- 2 Cloves of Garlic minced
- 1 C Carrots sliced into 1/2" (1.27cm) pieces (about two carrots), 120g
- 1/2 C Celery chopped into 1" (2.5cm) pieces (about two stocks), 50g
- 4 C Vegetable Broth 420g
- 15 oz Canned Cannellini Beans rinsed and drained, 425g
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes with juice 411g
- 2 C Red Russian or Curly Kale chopped into bite size pieces, 60g
- 1 tsp Basil dried or 1 Tbs fresh, chopped
- 2 Tbs Fresh Parsley chopped + a few leaves for garnish
- tsp A generous amount of fresh ground pepper about 1/4 , or to taste
- 1/8 tsp Sea Salt or to taste
Instructions
- For rewarming the croutons, preheat the oven to 350F.
- Add oil to a large sauce pot or Dutch oven. Heat until shimmering. Turn heat to medium, then add onion and garlic. Saute' until onions are transparent, about five minutes. Add the carrots and celery, stirring occasionally for five minutes. Add the broth, and beans and heat to a simmer then cook for an additional five minutes. Add the tomatoes and juice, kale, basil, 2 Tbs of parsley, pepper and salt. Cook for an additional 7-10 minutes or until the soup is heated through and the kale is tender.
- Just before the soup is done, warm the croutons in a 350F (280C) preheated oven for five minutes.
- Serve with croutons on top, and more for sharing. Garnish with parsley.
- For leftovers, freeze in a lidded container (I use Ball jars) for up to two months or in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Notes
OMG, what a story! I’d already made the soup before looking back and reading about your toilet escapade! What an amazing soup, I’m all about Italian food and this recipe is so quick, tasty and healthy. My husband has said this is our vegan equivalent of Jewish chicken soup. A cure all when feeling a little under the weather. I couldn’t agree more! Thanks again Traci for your great recipes, they never fail to please! x
Hi Vonnie! Thank you for your note, kind words and giving the soup a go! So happy to hear you two enjoyed it! I just made it last week too as our household has been sick… it really does hit the spot!
Oh my gosh, Traci! What an unfortunate place to get stuck for an hour! At least you have a hilarious story to tell people now :) I was already excited about Kauai from your last post, and now I am itching even more to get there! The food scene sounds so amazing. I remember shave ice from my first trip there – I always got the rainbow option – and I can’t wait to try it again. And those tacos? I have already bookmarked that restaurant!
This soup looks so comforting yet healthy. It’s got such a great combination of textures and flavors, and I love how it is so easy to throw together. I’m especially eyeing those beautiful croutons! Once you make your own croutons, you can’t go back! Thanks for the lovely inspiration, my friend!
Thank you Julia! No doubt, funny and really, it was fine. After all, I was on vacation in such an amazing place! Who could get mad about that!! It’s not like I was going to be late for work… Instead, I was late for my maiti! ;) No doubt homemade croutons make this soup!
Traci, I just have so much fun reading about your Kauai adventures and your bathroom story made me laugh out loud! Thanks so much for bringing a smile to my face. :) I need to find more farm stands to visit next time we are out there! Soups like these always make me feel so good and croutons on top gives it that perfect crunchy finishing touch. Beautiful.
Hahaaa! Now I’m laughing again Emily! So funny! Oh yeah, the farm stands are really fun and they’re stocked fresh every day. One thing I loved so much about Kauai was the ultra fresh food and the variety! Nothing like food fresh from the farm. Oh yeah, those croutons… you know! :D
OMG, getting locked in the bathroom, sounds like a nightmare :) Sounds like you had a great trip! I need some of these food trucks around me! The soup looks perfect Traci! Loaded with awesome ingredients!
Bring on the food trucks! We loved that part about Kauai, so much variety too! So, getting locked in the Bathroom wasn’t all bad! ;)
Ha ha, oh my gosh that sounds like something that would happen to me…(getting locked in the bathroom). And now I really REALLY need a holiday, Hawaii sounds divine! This soup looks just perfect for the cold weather we’ve been having! And those croutons look to die for!
Haaahaa! When I see others laughing from that unfortunate situation, I get another good laugh from it all over again!! Thank you for that Denise! Oh yeah, those croutons… they are auto dipping little bits. Can’t do without them in this soup! :D
Your trip sounds AMAZING except for the getting locked in the bathroom part. I would’ve been totally freaking out but it makes a good story, right? :) I’m loving the sound of this soup – it’s so warming and hearty. Perfect for these chilly Washington days. Definitely going to try this one out!
Haha!! That little exception, right? LOL Good story, yes! No doubt soup is where it’s at right now. I’m eating it so much lately… I hope you enjoy it Rachel! xo
Hawai sounds amazing – I’ve never been but reading about the food makes me wanna go – someday. Though I guess I need to remember to NEVER deadbolt a public restroom? :)
This is a gorgeous bowl of ribollita – I’ve never had that either, but love all the veggies in it!
You’ll do it Shashi!! It is amazing! Yeah, just stay away from the deadbolt and have someone stand by the door instead! haha! Oh yes, Ribollita is packed with veggies. So hearty and such a good soup too when feeling under the weather! Thank you Shashi!
I love ribollita — it’s just the ultimate easy, comforting winter food. This is beautifully presented and so rustic — can’t wait to try, Traci!
Thank you Gena! Me too. There are truly few recipes that are so quick and easy to come together that are this nourishing. Love it! :D
Ha! Traci, you had me rolling with your bathroom story – I can just picture you kicking the door and yelling for someone to help you! Otherwise, your trip sounds amazing and so is this dish! I love ribollita and your photos are so gorgeous I want the whole pot!
LOL!!! I’m still laughing too and so happy to pass on a good belly roll! :D Thank you my dear! xo
I saw this over on Fridgg. It looked so beautiful I had to check it out. Looks super hearty. Welcome back to January!
Hi Peter! Thank you for stopping by and your kind comments! No doubt, January is different in Hawaii! haha!! :D
Your photos are stunning!
Hi Sue! Thaaaank you and for stopping by! :D
Oh my gosh!! You poor thing! I can’t believe you got locked in the mens room! Also, I’m sorry it took so long for them to get you out! …but on a much brighter note, this recipe looks amazing! So perfect for a chilly evening! Truly healthy, warming, lovely comfort food! Thanks for the recipe!
Hehe!! I know?! Right? No worries. It was really quite funny! A chilly evening and this soup is made for each other! I hope you enjoy it my dear!
First, you’ve made me want to go back to Hawaii! Haven’t been since my honeymoon almost 18 years ago! Anyway, this story is hilarious! Totally something I’d get myself into with the deadbolt! Soup looks divine although still waiting for even a single snowflake to fall here in NJ. :( It gets really cold, then warm again…so weird. I’m eating soup anyway! haha
Go Donna Go!! Put it on the schedule! It’s time! So hard to contemplate NJ with no snow this time of year. Climate change is becoming more and more apparent for sure. So even though it’s cold, then warm, then cold, keep the soup on Donna! I’m right there with ya! :D
“Why did you throw the deadbolt?” – is a question my husband would ask too. Seriously, how in the world ?!!
Ahhh… The difference between men and women, I guess..
I am craving this soup, like BIG time. Looks so healthy and delicious…
PS1: Still no snow around here…
PS2: I am flying down to the BVI this week for a workshop and looking forward to having some papayas for myself. ;)
HAHAaaaaa! I got another good laugh out of that one ‘throw the deadbolt’ — mmmM HELLO?!?! LOL No snow? What gives? What is your workshop? Are you leading? Enjoy those papayas my dear! xo
Oh my Gawd, that men’s bathroom sitch sounds like my worst nightmare! I’m glad it was clean!!! At least you have a funny story now! And I LOOOOVED the produce in Hawaii, it is so freaking good. I ate papaya everyday, and the avocados – I don’t blame you for wanting to throw a tantrum when they took them away. But the produce in these photos is just gorgeous as well! Is that a giant carrot?
LOL – it was pretty funny after I got over the initial anger. I know, the produce is SO good and so widely available. So much is grown locally, especially the tropical fruit. That’s what I miss, living in the PNW. Right now, the avocados are not in season in the US main, so the only ones I seem to be able to find are brown and stringy… I miss them so much in winter! So having them every day is heaven. The giant carrot? That, and others, came from Prairie Bottom Farm… their farm stand is still stocked pretty good. This was a smaller carrot of the bunch.. and the others were HUGE!! They are French Heirloom Carrots and are soooo sweet, but majorly giant! hehe! :D
My baby girl has a phobia of being stuck in bathrooms! One hour is a looong time to be stuck! Oh my I would’ve had a major panic attack. :) I would’ve dunked my head in a bucket of cocktail after. haha But whats a vacation without a story, right?!
This ribollita is crazy good looking Traci. (I was caught kissing the screen!)
Oh no!! A long time, yes, but I was just thinking of all the fun things I’d do after getting out! It was fine. I did have a huge maitai afterwords… on the house! Thank you, Rakhee! xo
Oh Traci, I love that you put a positive spin on that story of being stuck in a bathroom! Hawaii sounds AMAZING right about now, especially with temperatures dipping to below zero here (brrr!). I think this weekend calls for lots of this soup and SO much bread :) xo
Oh yeah, such a good escape from the winter days. My favorite time of year to go. Agreed on lots of soup and major bread! xo
Oh no! Getting stuck in a bathroom would be one of my worst nightmares! Hopefully this wonderful soup makes up for it! I stumbled across your blog on Instagram earlier today and am now following you on everything! I’m obsessed! Your food looks incredible, as well as your photography. Can’t wait to keep following you and seeing what new recipes you share!
I know, right? Just being in HI made up for it. No bad days! Thank you for following my dear and your kind comments! :D Welcome!
I can’t believe you got locked in the bathroom – and the boys bathroom at that! OMG – I love how you wait patiently and then gradually start kicking the door harder and harder! Thank goodness they got you out – I can’t believe it took an hour to chisel open the door. That is definitely a night to remember. PS: love this soup – and I like that you’ve made it a healthier version – perfect for the new year! PPS: I haven’t been getting your site feed lately either – I use LEAF as my RSS feed.
OMGeeee I know, Geraldine! SO funny! Yeah, a whole hour. Why they didn’t just get an electric saw, IDK. I think they were trying to preserve the door, but in the end, it was destroyed! :D Oh no!! Is LEAF a plugin? TY!! xo
Leaf is an rss feed/news reader (kind of like feedly) – it’s an app from iTunes. But as I type this your post just popped up in my RSS feed reader – so it’s just delayed somehow. It’s been coming in spotty over the last month or so – sometimes I get your post and sometimes I don’t and sometimes it comes late (like today).
Thank you Geraldine! :D After looking into this, I am cross-eyed. I’ll put it on the list for the experts! Thank you for letting me know! xo
After falling in love with apple bananas, I tried to smuggle some on the plane, only to have them confiscated. I seem to recall throwing a very toddlerish tantrum!
The recipe looks amazing, and I love the stories!
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Hehe… Apple bananas are sooo good! We ate so many of them, and froze them too, to throw into smoothies. I would have thrown a tantrum too! xo
OMG. That is so freaking hilarious, I can’t even. Not that you were locked in the men’s bathroom but the way, the thought of you yelling and no one coming to your rescue! I almost thought you were going to shimmy out the window. Glad you were found! Hope you had another mai tai after that, girl. xo
LOL!! You’re crackin me up Emilie!! :D As my Mam-maw would say… I knew where I was all along! I had a big tall mai tai afterwards.. it was all worth it! hehe!
You are totally making me want to go back to Kauai, Traci! My husband has never been to Hawaii and after reading your last post, and reminiscing, I didn’t shut up about how I wanted to take him there one day soon! But OMGeeeeee to your bathroom story! What in the world took Rob so long to realize you were MIA?! I would have killed Boy!!! Like an hour later, really?! Men! But, thank God for the small window with a bit of breeze… I guess things can always be worse, right? Anyways, LOVING this ribollita! Love that you made it vegetarian and 86’ed the bread and opted for croutons! This is getting adding to our soup night rotation! Pinned! Cheers, mi-lady! xo
Hehe… an hour!! I would have been red in the face! But it was only 10 minutes. He was enjoying the chips, salsa and beer while my maitai got watered down. You need to take Boy to Kauai, Cheyanne… and I like how you didn’t shut up about it. You know, Valentines is right around the corner. A trip there would be a fabulous gift for him to give you (hint hint)! Thank you for your pin my dear! xo
Oh this soup looks fabulous Traci! The colors are gorgeous. It sounds comforting and hearty enough for a nice winter dinner! So sorry about the bathroom mishap in Hawaii! Yikes! Enjoy your weekend!
Thank you Mary Ann! The bathroom incident; a character builder.. hehe! :D
traci, that food scene is akin to heaven! i can only imagine how beautiful and vibrant the offerings of produce are there. nothing like a good bathroom entrapment to keep you from it all! (oh my goodness i’ve been laughing, i know that specific pain). – – this ribollita is so fantastic and warming, i’m very sure that i’ll be making it soon. xoxo
Oh, I couldn’t agree more, Danielle. Since it’s an island, they grow a lot of produce! Hahahaa.. bathroom entrapment! No kidding.. I missed an hour of beach time! You’ve been locked in too?! OMGeee Danielle!! xo
Oh my goodness your story!!! I was laughing out loud :) We’ve totally all been there before. At least it was in Hawaii, that’s probably the easiest place in the world to forget about it!
The soup—- oh it looks so perfect for this time of year. I’m having trouble adjusting to the frigid temperature now too, so I’m sure this will make things a LITTLE easier.
LOL!! I know, right? You’re making me laugh, Liz!! Agreed, at least it was in HI! Stay warm my dear! :D
Oh my, Traci, this looks amazing!! I don’t know why I wasn’t getting your updates, but Feedly wasn’t showing me any of your new posts! I thought something seemed suspicious with no new posts from you for that long, so I went ahead and came over here…glad I did because woah, clearly I’ve been missing out!!! So sorry about the bathroom incident…that is scary! Something similar happened to me when I was in the fridge at the commercial kitchen I sometimes teach at. Apparently I wasn’t pushing the door hard enough, but I had a couple minutes there were I started panicking and started knocking hard on the door till one of the chefs in the kitchen opened it for me. Whew!
Hawaii is gorgeous though and full of amazing fruits. So glad you got to experience that! I’d be right there with ya sipping on the pina coladas! :)
This soup looks so comforting and hearty – just like the kind of thing I’d want to cuddle up with one of these cold evenings <3
What’s up with Feedly? My goodness. Technology is a mystery! The bathroom thing… it’s all good. Nothing Hawaii can’t sooth away! But OMGeee getting stuck in a commercial fridge… girl, really awful. I’ve had a thought or two about that very thing the times I’ve been in one… I couldn’t let my mind go there! I visited an industrial bakery once who’s warehouse (!!) was a refrigerator! OMGeee!! I walked in there and turned around and walked out.. couldn’t take it! So glad you made it out okay!! xo :D
we have all had THOSE moment. i loved the story – i can’t believe they needed to chisel out the dead bolt! this Italian soup sounds hard to beat on a cold day, especially with those warm croutons. xo
No doubt, right? So funny in hindsight too! I was calm and collected after ‘they’ showed up, and knew it was going to be okay. Awhhh life.. sometimes it’s just embarrassing! :D Rob and the maintenance guy said they’d never heard or seen a stuck deadbolt before. Go figure!