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Tuscan White Bean Soup

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 12 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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your vegetables: Finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery. This combination forms the classic soffritto that will bring aromatic sweetness to your soup.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Incorporate greens: Once the soup is simmering, add the chopped kale or spinach. Cook until the greens are tender but still vibrant in color.
  5. 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

Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, bean soup, Italian soup, comforting soup, healthy soup, gluten-free soup, vegetarian soup