Print

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup
Print Recipe

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty Italian classic that combines creamy cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Tuscan herbs to create a nourishing and flavorful dish perfect for lunch or dinner year-round.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cannellini beans (canned, drained and rinsed or soaked and cooked if dried)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne, for spicy kick
  • Chopped kale or spinach, for greens boost
  • Diced pancetta or Italian sausage, for meaty twist
  • Smoked paprika or liquid smoke, for smoky flavor

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics — Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook an additional minute until aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Add Herbs and Beans — Toss in fresh rosemary and thyme; allow their flavors to bloom for about a minute. Add the drained cannellini beans and stir to coat them with the aromatics.
  3. Step 3: Pour in the Broth — Add vegetable or chicken broth to the pot until ingredients are generously covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Simmer and Season — Let the soup simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes to meld flavors and soften beans further. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Blend for Creaminess — Optional: use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, creating a creamy texture while retaining some whole beans for bite. Alternatively, leave it chunky for rustic appeal.

Notes

  • Use quality extra virgin olive oil for enhanced flavor and richness.
  • Fresh rosemary and thyme give authentic Tuscan aroma that dried herbs can’t match.
  • If using dried beans, soak them overnight to soften and reduce cooking time.
  • Simmer the soup slowly to deepen flavors without breaking the beans too much.
  • Adjust soup thickness by blending some portion or adding more broth as preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, cannellini bean soup, Italian soup, hearty soup, gluten free soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe

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