A family from an isolated Sardinian village, with a collective age of over 800 years, reportedly consumed the same soup daily to aid longevity. This nourishing broth has been identified as a key element for achieving a long life and robust health.
The recipe, shared by Blue Zones, is simple to prepare. It calls for seasonal vegetables, beans, and fregula—a toasted semolina pasta popular in Sardinia. The soup is said to be eaten every day for lunch by some of the world's longest-lived families.
To make the soup, soak fava beans, cranberry beans, and chickpeas in water for at least eight hours, then drain and rinse. Cook onion, carrots, and celery for five minutes, add garlic and cook for 20 minutes. Add tomatoes, potatoes, fennel, parsley, basil, and chickpeas. Cover with water by one inch, bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered until beans are tender—about one to one and a half hours.
Stir in fregula pasta, salt, and pepper, and simmer until pasta is tender, around 10 minutes. Drizzle olive oil into serving bowls, ladle soup, and top with grated cheese. Optional vegetables include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, or courgette.
