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Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian classic featuring creamy cannellini beans, fragrant herbs, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. This nutritious and versatile soup offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors for a cozy meal any time of the year.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried cannellini beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (optional)
  • 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes and Add-ins

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
  • Thinly shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Crispy croutons or rustic bread (ciabatta, focaccia)
  • Italian sausage or pancetta (for meat variation)
  • Kale, spinach, or Swiss chard (for greens upgrade)
  • Red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for spice)
  • Cream or coconut milk (for creamy finish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook gently until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. This creates the flavorful base of the soup.
  2. Add herbs and tomatoes: Stir in fresh rosemary, thyme, and the optional crushed tomatoes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to release the herbs’ aroma and slightly reduce the tomatoes, if added.
  3. Incorporate beans and broth: Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Toss in the Parmesan rind if available. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer and season: Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Final touches: Adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the Parmesan rind. Optionally, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamier texture. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

  • Use dried beans soaked and cooked for best texture, though canned beans are a convenient alternative.
  • Slowly soften the vegetables to develop deep flavor before adding liquids.
  • If blending part of the soup, reserve some broth to maintain preferred consistency.
  • Add a Parmesan rind during simmering to boost umami and flavor depth.
  • Season gradually with salt and pepper, tasting throughout the cooking process.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time if using dried beans)
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg

Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, Italian soup, comfort food, healthy soup, cannellini beans, vegetarian soup, gluten free soup