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Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup
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Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty Italian soup featuring creamy cannellini beans, fresh herbs, and a flavorful broth. This nutritious and filling dish is perfect for any season, offering rich, soul-warming flavors with easy-to-find wholesome ingredients. Customize it to your taste—vegan, meaty, or with a spicy kick—and enjoy a timeless classic that nourishes both body and soul.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cannellini white beans (canned, drained and rinsed, or soaked and cooked dried beans)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • 1 Parmesan rind or 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Optional Variations & Additions

  • Italian sausage, pancetta, or bacon for added protein
  • Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy touch
  • Diced zucchini, potatoes, or tomatoes for extra veggies
  • Sage or bay leaves as alternative herbs

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics – Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Stir often and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, building a flavorful base.
  2. Step 2: Add Beans and Herbs – Drain and rinse the cannellini beans if using canned. Add them to the pot along with the fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs. Stir well to combine the herbs’ aroma with the warm vegetables.
  3. Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer – Pour in 6 cups of vegetable or chicken broth until the beans are just covered. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
  4. Step 4: Enhance and Adjust – Remove herb sprigs from the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a creamier texture, mash a portion of the beans with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup while leaving some beans whole for texture.
  5. Step 5: Finish with Greens and Cheese – Add fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking and let it wilt gently. Stir in a Parmesan rind as the soup simmers for an extra layer of umami or sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
  6. Serving Suggestions – Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, and serve with crusty bread, garlic crostini, or a fresh green salad. For a cozy presentation, ladle into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Use high-quality beans, whether canned or dried, for best flavor and texture.
  • Allow vegetables to soften slowly when sautéing to bring out their natural sweetness.
  • Simmer soup gently on low heat to meld flavors without breaking down the beans too much.
  • Customize the texture by mashing some beans and leaving others whole.
  • Fresh herbs are preferred over dried for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Save leftover broth to adjust soup consistency when reheating without diluting flavor.
  • The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes well up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stove, adding broth or water if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, cannellini bean soup, Italian soup, hearty soup, gluten-free soup, vegan soup option, comforting soup

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/tuscan-white-bean-soup/