A warm and comforting Italian-inspired soup packed with vegetables and beans.
Mash half of the beans in a small bowl using a masher or the back of a spoon.
Mashing some beans helps thicken the soup naturally.
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini, and sauté until softened.
Stir occasionally to prevent the vegetables from sticking.
Add the garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper to the pot, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Adding herbs at this stage enhances their flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, and bring to a boil.
Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate all flavors.
Stir in the mashed and whole beans, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.