Go Back

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Warm up with a hearty bowl of Tuscan white bean soup, rich with flavors of fresh herbs and vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course : Dinner
Cuisine : Italian
Keyword : Tuscan White Bean Soup
Servings : 6 People
Calories : 260kcal

Ingredients

  • White Beans: Ideally use canned cannellini beans for their creamy texture and mild flavor. If you can't find them, great northern beans or navy beans work well as substitutes.
  • Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil is key for sautéing and finishing. You can use avocado oil if you prefer a milder taste.
  • Onion: A medium yellow or white onion adds sweetness and depth. In a pinch shallots or red onions can be used, but they will slightly alter the flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves are best for their robust flavor. If you're out of it,garlic powder can substitute—use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
  • Carrots and Celery: These vegetables form the classic mirepoix base offering flavor and nutrition. If needed, you can omit one or use bell peppers for a different taste.
  • Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth can be used if you're not sticking to a vegetarian recipe or water with a bouillon cube for convenience.
  • Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme are essential for that signature Tuscan aroma. For the herbs if you're short on fresh options, dried herbs can certainly do the trick.
  • Salt and Pepper: Use these to taste adjusting as the soup cooks to enhance the natural flavors.
  • Optional Toppings: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese,a drizzle of olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

Don't hesitate to add your personal touch to this recipe. It's flexible enough to accommodate your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand.

Instructions

Gather and Prep Your Ingredients:

  • Start by rinsing and draining two cans of white beans, setting them aside for later.
  • Dice one medium onion, two carrots, and two celery stalks into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.
  • Finely chop three cloves of garlic to maximize their flavor.

Sauté the Base:

  • Warm two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onion becomes translucent.
  • Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it brown.

Combine the Flavors:

  • Add the drained beans to the pot, followed by six cups of vegetable broth, stirring to mix well.
  • Incorporate a sprig of rosemary and a couple of thyme sprigs to infuse the soup with a delightful aroma.

Let It Simmer:

  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.

Season and Blend:

  • Remove the herb stems and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your preference.
  • For a silkier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup with an immersion blender directly in the pot. This is optional but enhances creaminess.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Pour the soup into bowls, finishing with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. If you like a bit of spice, add a dash of red pepper flakes.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Vitamin A: 60% DV
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
- Calcium: 10% DV
- Iron: 15% DV