Minestra di Piselli e Cipollotti with Spring Peas, Blended Cannellini Beans, Acini di Pepe & Parmigiano, served with a Sourdough Olive Oil Focaccina (includes complimentary surprise dessert)

This Tuesday, Ragna’s Table is traveling to springtime Italy with Minestra di Piselli e Cipollotti, a light yet comforting soup filled with sweet green peas, tender spring onions, creamy cannellini beans, and tiny acini di pepe pasta. Inspired by the simple vegetable minestre of Italian home cooking, this soup brings humble seasonal ingredients together in a wonderfully satisfying supper.

The vegetarian broth begins with onions and garlic gently softened in extra-virgin olive oil. Sweet peas add freshness, color, and delicate natural sweetness, while cannellini beans give the soup a creamy texture and satisfying substance. Tiny acini di pepe pasta completes the bowl without making it feel heavy. Some of the peas and beans are crushed into the broth, giving it body while leaving plenty whole for texture.

Peas and cannellini beans provide plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while spring onions and fresh herbs contribute additional nutrients and vibrant flavor. Extra-virgin olive oil supplies nourishing unsaturated fats, and Parmigiano-Reggiano adds protein, calcium, and savory richness without the need for cream. Together, the beans, peas, pasta, and cheese create a balanced vegetarian dinner that is both comforting and fresh.

The soup is finished with Parmigiano-Reggiano, spring-onion greens, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon zest. These simple finishing ingredients add savory depth and gentle brightness, keeping the soup lively and distinctly springlike.

Alongside the soup is an individual Sourdough Olive Oil Focaccina, a small Italian-style focaccia naturally leavened with sourdough starter. Slow fermentation gives the bread a delicate tang and deeper flavor, while extra-virgin olive oil creates a tender, airy interior and lightly golden crust. Finished simply with sea salt, it is perfect for tearing, dipping, and soaking up the flavorful broth.

This meal reflects the generous simplicity of Italian cooking: wholesome ingredients, treated with care and brought together without unnecessary complication. Colorful, nourishing, and deeply satisfying, it is a comforting spring supper that still feels light and lively.

I can’t wait to cook this for you!