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Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup
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Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that combines creamy cannellini beans, fresh herbs, and savory vegetables for a rustic, soul-warming meal. Perfect for cozy lunches or dinners year-round, this soup is rich in protein and fiber, easy to prepare, and adaptable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or 1 ½ cups cooked dried cannellini beans)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
  • 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add Herbs and Tomatoes Stir in chopped fresh rosemary and thyme, allowing their earthy aroma to infuse the mixture for 1-2 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to break down, enriching the soup base.
  3. Step 3: Incorporate Beans and Broth Add drained cannellini beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Add the Parmesan rind if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Step 4: Simmer to Develop Flavor Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the beans to soften completely.
  5. Step 5: Add Greens and Season Stir in chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens wilt. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Serve Warm Remove the Parmesan rind. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish as desired with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Use high-quality cannellini beans, either fresh canned or dried and soaked for best texture.
  • Fresh rosemary and thyme are essential to achieve authentic Tuscan flavor.
  • Sweat the vegetables slowly to build a deeper, more complex soup base.
  • Simmer the soup gently to preserve the creaminess of the beans and prevent them from breaking up too much.
  • Add a Parmesan rind or a splash of soy sauce to boost umami and depth of flavor.
  • Blend a portion of the soup before serving if you prefer a creamier texture without cream.
  • The soup can be customized with Italian sausage or pancetta for a meaty version or kept vegan by omitting the Parmesan rind.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, cannellini bean soup, hearty soup, vegetarian soup, gluten-free soup, Tuscan cuisine, easy soup recipe

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