In a quaint mountain village in Sardinia, a remarkable family gained attention for having a collective age surpassing 800 years.
As residents noted, their longevity secret wasn’t rooted in modern medicine or luxury, but rather in a simple bowl of soup.
Daily, they would come together to enjoy a traditional soup, a nourishing, bean-laden broth, which has become synonymous with longevity.
Blue Zones, which researches the eating habits and lifestyles of the longest-living populations, highlights this Sardinian classic as a staple for families who often exceed the age of 100.
“It can be made with seasonal vegetables from the garden, but always includes beans and fregula, a toasted, pebble-sized semolina pasta that is popular in Sardinia,” explains the group, as cited by The Mirror.
Dan Buettner, a New York Times best-selling author and co-founder of Blue Zones Kitchen, states, “The more I do research on what really drives longevity, the more I realize it’s starting with a savory breakfast.”
He further noted, “Most of what people think produces greater life expectancy is misguided or just plain wrong. A lot of the easiest and best things are quite literally right under our noses—especially if that thing right under our noses is a steaming bowl of minestrone.”
Buettner has adopted this breakfast routine for several years, although his first meal typically occurs around noon. His shift in eating habits was inspired by learning about the daily diet of the world’s oldest family residing in Sardinia.
His studies suggest that individuals might prolong their lives by up to ten years through simple, healthy practices, such as incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their diet, maintaining physical activity, and cooking meals at home more frequently.
The dish itself is both practical and potent. Rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, it provides a nutritional balance that benefits heart and immune health, especially valuable during the colder months when warmth and sustenance are essential.
The method of preparation embodies the Sardinian lifestyle—simple, relaxed, and reliant on local ingredients.
Cooks start by soaking fava beans, cranberry beans, and chickpeas overnight, then rinsing them thoroughly. Next, a generous pour of olive oil is added to a pot along with onion, carrots, and celery, which are cooked until aromatic.
Garlic is included for added depth, then tomatoes, potatoes, fennel, parsley, basil, and the drained chickpeas are mixed in.
Once submerged in water, the soup is brought to a boil before being left to simmer slowly, often for over an hour until the beans are tender and the flavors meld. Fregula pasta is stirred in towards the end, with seasoning added to taste.
Each portion is completed with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of grated cheese.
The recipe is adaptable, allowing for seasonal variations. Sardinians often incorporate whatever is available, such as shredded cabbage, chopped broccoli, tender zucchini, or even cauliflower.
Every family may have its unique version, but all maintain the fundamental ingredients that have nourished generations.