Name: Tuscan Vegetable Soup with White Beans and Parmesan
Yield: Makes12 first-course or6 main-course servings
Ingredients: 1 1-pound package dried cannellini (white kidney beans); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 head of green cabbage, cut into1/2-inch pieces; 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes; 4 celery stalks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 3 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 10 cups (or more) vegetable stock or canned vegetable broth; 2 medium potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil; 1/2 head of red cabbage, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 4 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 6 3/4-inch-thick slices 7-grain bread, toasted; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces); Additional olive oil

Cheryl Zook of Ketchum, Idaho, writes: "After I graduated from college last fall, I spent a few months in Europe. By far, my favorite stop was Florence. I'll always remember the vegetable soup I had at Ristorante Mamma Gina near the Ponte Vecchio."

This is almost as thick as a stew. If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more vegetable stock. Because the beans need to soak overnight, begin preparation a day ahead.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.