
Soak the dried cannellini beans in water overnight. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add minced garlic, chopped kale, and Swiss chard to the pot. Cook until the greens are wilted, about 5 minutes.
If using dried beans, drain them and add them to the pot. If using canned beans, add them now. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the cubed stale bread to the soup and stir well. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, until the bread has broken down and thickened the soup.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
A very good soup! I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat and it was perfect. The bread really helped thicken the soup, and it all blended very nicely.
Fantastic recipe! The flavors were so authentic and the soup was incredibly satisfying. It's a perfect meal for a chilly evening. I highly recommend it.
This soup was very good. I had some trouble getting the bread to fully incorporate, but overall the flavor was excellent. I suggest to finely chop the bread for the soup to make it easier.
The soup was too thick for my liking, and the bread became a bit soggy. I think it needed more vegetables to balance the texture. It was okay, but not great.
This was a delicious and easy recipe. I especially appreciated how it utilized leftover vegetables. The soup was hearty and flavorful.