Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty, soul-warming soup that combines creamy white beans, fresh herbs, and vibrant greens in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cool evenings, it offers authentic Tuscan flavors with simple ingredients, making it both nutritious and comforting.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Beans and Stock
- 2 cups cannellini beans, soaked if using dried (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
- Prepare your vegetables: Finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery. This combination forms the classic soffritto that will bring aromatic sweetness to your soup.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add beans and stock: Stir in the drained cannellini beans, then pour in the vegetable or chicken stock. Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook to blend the flavors.
- Incorporate greens: Once the soup is simmering, add the chopped kale or spinach. Cook until the greens are tender but still vibrant in color.
- Season and finish: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If using, add a Parmesan rind during simmering to deepen the savory notes; remove it before serving. Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving for a silky finish.
Notes
- Use quality olive oil for the best flavor impact.
- If using dried beans, soak overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme add authentic Tuscan character – don’t skip them.
- Simmer the soup gently to meld flavors without breaking down the beans too much.
- For a creamy texture without cream, puree part of the soup before adding the greens.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Serve garnished with freshly grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh basil or parsley leaves.
- Pair with crusty Italian bread, garlic crostini, or a simple green salad.
- To make vegan, use vegetable stock and omit cheese or substitute with vegan parmesan.
- For variations, add cooked Italian sausage or pancetta for richness, crushed red pepper for spice, different greens like Swiss chard or arugula, or canned tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, bean soup, Italian soup, comforting soup, healthy soup, gluten-free soup, vegetarian soup