Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting, flavorful soup packed with tender white beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a wholesome meal, this rustic Tuscan recipe combines the earthiness of cannellini beans with the freshness of spinach and the zest of crushed tomatoes, making it a satisfying dish ideal for any season.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Beans and Broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups spinach or kale, roughly chopped
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and begin to release their aromas.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, making sure not to brown it, to bring out its fragrant flavor.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to slightly thicken.
- Combine Beans & Broth: Add the drained and rinsed white beans along with the vegetable or chicken broth into the pot. Mix everything thoroughly to blend the ingredients evenly.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the dried rosemary and thyme, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Simmer: Bring the soup mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to deepen the flavors.
- Add Greens: Approximately 5 minutes before finishing, add the chopped spinach or kale to the soup. Cook until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- For a richer broth, chicken broth can be substituted instead of vegetable broth.
- To make the soup creamier, mash some of the beans before adding the greens.
- This soup stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- Parmesan cheese garnish adds a savory depth but can be omitted to keep the soup lighter or vegan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, hearty bean soup, vegetarian soup, cannellini bean soup, Italian soup, healthy soup recipe