Why You’ll Love This Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.
- Simple Yet Elegant: With minimal ingredients, this soup delivers maximum flavor.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with crusty bread for a wholesome meal.
Tools You’ll Need
- Ladle: For serving.
- Large pot or Dutch oven: For cooking the soup.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring.
Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting, hearty dish packed with flavor and nutrition. This one-pot meal features tender white beans, aromatic herbs, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a savory broth. It’s the perfect recipe for cozy evenings or a satisfying lunch that feels both rustic and gourmet.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans of white beans, drained and rinsed (e.g., cannellini or great northern beans)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water (optional, for thinner soup)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white wine vinegar, for brightness
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika (if using) and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Add the white beans, vegetable broth, water (if using), diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Blend for Texture (Optional)
- Remove the bay leaf. For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, or transfer 1-2 cups to a blender, then return it to the pot.
Step 4: Add Greens and Brighten
- Stir in the spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Add the lemon juice or vinegar, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Use Fresh Herbs: Substitute fresh thyme and rosemary if available for a more aromatic soup.
- Make it Hearty: Add diced potatoes or cooked pasta for an even more filling version.
- Creamier Texture: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream for extra richness.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Double the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
A: Yes! Soak and cook 1 ½ cups of dried white beans beforehand, then use them in the recipe.
Q2: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Absolutely. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop.
Q3: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: It’s already vegan! Just skip any cheese-based toppings.
Conclusion: A Warm Hug in a Bowl
Tuscan White Bean Soup is the perfect combination of comfort and nourishment. Its rich, herb-infused broth and tender beans make it a timeless classic you’ll turn to again and again. Try it once, and it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 200
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 7g
Enjoy every spoonful of this hearty, wholesome soup, and share it with your loved ones!
