Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

by

Introduction

This Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting, nourishing, and flavorful dish that combines creamy cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs. It’s a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy weekdays. The blend of Italian seasoning and bay leaves infuses the soup with aromatic warmth, while fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrition.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 Cup Olive Oil, extra virgin
  • 1 Small Onion, diced
  • 2 Medium Shallots, chopped
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, mashed
  • 2 Carrots, chopped into coins
  • 2 Celery Stalks, diced
  • 3 (15 Ounce) Cans Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
  • 5-6 Cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 3 Cups Fresh Spinach

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. Heat Olive Oil: Start by heating 1/4 cup olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion, chopped shallots, and mashed garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they become fragrant and translucent.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Simmer

  1. Add Carrots and Celery: Stir in the carrots and diced celery and continue to sauté for another 7-10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the richness of the soup.
  2. Add Beans and Seasonings: Rinse and drain the cannellini beans, then add them to the pot along with 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 5-6 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.

Step 3: Simmer and Blend

  1. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
  2. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  3. Remove Bay Leaves: After simmering, remove the cover and carefully pull out and discard the bay leaves.

Step 4: Blend and Finish the Soup

  1. Blend for Creaminess: Transfer about 2 cups of the soup to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth to create a creamy texture.
  2. Return to Pot: Pour the blended portion back into the pot and stir generously to combine.
  3. Add Spinach: Add the 3 cups of fresh spinach and stir until it’s wilted and incorporated into the soup.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Garnish: Garnish the soup with some fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and serve it hot with a slice of crusty bread.
  2. Enjoy: Enjoy this warm and hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup as a complete meal or as a starter for a larger spread.

Variations

  • Add Protein: Stir in cooked sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier version.
  • Herb Substitutes: Swap the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
  • Spicy Twist: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.

Cooking Notes

  • Blend Carefully: Blending a portion of the soup creates a creamier texture without the need for dairy.
  • Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
  • Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly and adds a bright green color to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of garlic bread or toasted baguette slices.
  • Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
  • Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Tips

  • Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even better!
  • Freezing Tip: Freeze the soup without the spinach, then add fresh spinach when reheating.
  • Blending Safety: Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.

Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Fat: 9g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Sodium: 540mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use dried cannellini beans?
A: Yes, you can use dried beans, but you will need to soak and cook them before adding them to the soup. This will add additional prep time.

Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: It’s already vegan! Just be sure to use vegetable broth and plant-based butter if adding any.

Q: Can I use a different type of beans?
A: Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with Great Northern beans or navy beans for a similar texture.

Conclusion

This Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup is a delicious way to warm up on a chilly day, offering a blend of creamy beans and tender vegetables in every bite. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a wholesome dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

SEO Details

  • SEO Title: Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
  • Meta Description: Enjoy this creamy and delicious Tuscan White Bean Soup, perfect for a cozy night. Made with cannellini beans, fresh spinach, and Italian herbs.
  • Focus Keyphrase: Tuscan White Bean Soup
  • Keyphrase Synonyms: Creamy white bean soup, Italian white bean soup, vegetarian bean soup
  • Slug: tuscan-white-bean-soup

Leave a Comment