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Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup
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Tuscan White Bean Soup is a rich and comforting Italian classic that combines creamy white beans, fresh herbs, and savory vegetables in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy meals, this nutritious and hearty soup delivers warmth, simplicity, and nourishment in every spoonful. Easy to make with pantry staples and fresh produce, it is versatile enough to adapt to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Main Ingredient

  • 2 cups cooked white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed if canned

Optional

  • 1 Parmesan rind (for richer broth)
  • Additional fresh parsley or rosemary for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook gently until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness, about 5-7 minutes, forming the fragrant base of the soup.
  2. Step 2: Add Herbs and Broth – Add sprigs of rosemary and thyme along with salt and pepper to taste. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring to combine all flavors. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Incorporate White Beans – Add the cooked white beans to the pot. Stir gently to combine, allowing the beans to absorb the broth’s flavors and warm through. For a creamier texture, lightly mash a few beans against the side of the pot.
  4. Step 4: Simmer and Blend – Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20-30 minutes to deepen flavors. Optionally, remove herb sprigs and partially purée the soup with an immersion blender to achieve a silky texture while keeping some beans whole.
  5. Step 5: Final Touches – Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If using, add a Parmesan rind during simmering and remove before serving for added umami and creaminess.

Notes

  • Use quality dried beans soaked and cooked yourself for better flavor and texture than canned beans.
  • Fresh rosemary and thyme are essential to achieving authentic Tuscan flavor.
  • Simmer the soup slowly on low heat to develop rich, harmonious flavors.
  • Partially blending the soup creates a creamy texture but keeps the rustic feel by leaving some beans whole.
  • Season gradually to avoid over-salting; always taste as you go.

Nutrition

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

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