Tuscan White Bean Soup

This Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prepping for the week, or even impressing guests at a gathering. With its rich, savory broth and hearty texture, this soup is a delightful blend of healthy ingredients. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with some rustic bread for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Packed with Nutrients: Full of protein and fiber, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
• Versatile Recipe: Customize with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
• Hearty Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices creates a rich and satisfying taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: This is crucial for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup evenly.
• Blender: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture without adding dairy.

Ingredients

This Tuscan white bean soup is made in one pot, easy to make and perfect for meal prep! It’s vegan, gluten free, full of protein and perfect with some rustic (gluten free!) bread for dipping.

Base Ingredients

• 3 15 ounce cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 1 stalk celery (diced)

Additional Flavorings

• 1/3 cup white apple vinegar (I used pinot grigio)
• 2 cups chopped kale (stems removed, finely chopped)
• 2 1/2 – 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (see notes)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (omit if you don’t like spice)
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it begins to brown slightly.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the onion is browned, add in the minced garlic, diced celery, and chopped carrots. Continue sautéing for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 3: Incorporate Vinegar

Pour in the white apple vinegar. Cook until most of the liquid evaporates, which should take around 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients except for the kale into the pot. Stir well to combine everything together. Start with 2 1/2 cups of broth.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Blend Part of the Soup

Remove bay leaves from the pot. Transfer about 2 1/2 – 3 cups of soup into a blender. Blend until smooth.

Step 7: Return to Pot

Pour the blended soup back into the pot. Stir well to combine; adjust thickness by adding more broth if necessary.

Step 8: Add Kale

Mix in the chopped kale. Let simmer for a few more minutes until it wilts. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Step 9: Serve

Serve warm as is or alongside hearty bread for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Tuscan White Bean Soup!

How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan white bean soup is a hearty dish that warms the soul. It pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavor and texture.

With Rustic Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A fresh, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Gluten-Free Bread: Enjoy gluten-free options like almond or oat bread for those with dietary restrictions.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
• Caesar Salad: For a more filling option, serve a classic Caesar salad alongside the soup.

As a Main Course

• Over Quinoa: Serve the soup over quinoa for added protein and texture.
• With Rice: Pair it with brown rice or wild rice to create a complete meal.

How to Perfect Tuscan White Bean Soup

Creating the perfect Tuscan white bean soup involves a few key techniques. Here are some helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the flavor of the soup.
• Adjust Broth Amount: Start with less broth; you can always add more to reach your desired consistency.
• Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup adds creaminess without dairy.
• Season Generously: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Tuscan White Bean Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Tuscan white bean soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal.
3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic grilled cheese brings comfort and pairs well with the soup’s flavors.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice make for a filling side dish.
5. Cheesy Polenta: Serve creamy cheesy polenta on the side for a rich contrast to the soup.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer crunch and heartiness, making them an ideal complement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Tuscan white bean soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Ignoring the garlic: Garlic adds depth to the flavor. Make sure to sauté it just until fragrant; burning it can create a bitter taste.
• Not rinsing the beans: Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and improves texture. Always drain and rinse your cannellini beans before adding them to the pot.
• Overcooking the veggies: While you want to soften the vegetables, overcooking can lead to mushy textures. Aim for tender but still slightly firm veggies.
• Using too much broth: Adding excessive broth can dilute the flavor of your soup. Start with less and add more only if needed for consistency.
• Skipping taste adjustments: Flavors can meld during cooking, so it’s essential to taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice or extra spices can elevate your soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until hot.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tuscan White Bean Soup healthy?

Tuscan white bean soup is packed with protein from cannellini beans and loaded with vegetables, making it nutritious and filling.

Can I customize my Tuscan White Bean Soup?

Yes! You can add different greens like spinach or Swiss chard, or toss in other vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for variety.

How do I make this soup creamier?

To make your Tuscan white bean soup creamier, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back into the pot. You can also add a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream.

Is Tuscan White Bean Soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and serve it with gluten-free bread.

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan white bean soup is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for various modifications based on personal preferences. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with rustic bread, it’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner. Give this recipe a try and feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!

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Tuscan White Bean Soup

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. This vegan and gluten-free soup is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests. Bursting with flavor from fresh vegetables and herbs, it features a rich broth and satisfying texture that warms the soul. Pair it with rustic bread for a complete meal that’s not just delicious but also nutritious, thanks to the protein-packed cannellini beans and fiber-rich vegetables. Whether enjoyed as a main course or alongside a light salad, this soup is versatile and easy to customize to your taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 1 stalk celery (diced)
• 1/3 cup white apple vinegar
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 2.5 – 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Seasonings: salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, thyme, oregano

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; sauté onion until slightly browned.
2. Add garlic, celery, and carrots; cook for about 10 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in white apple vinegar; cook until liquid evaporates.
4. Add remaining ingredients except kale; stir well.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
6. Blend part of the soup until smooth; return to pot.
7. Stir in chopped kale; let simmer until wilted.
8. Adjust seasonings; serve warm with bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg