Heartwarming Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty and wholesome, this Tuscan white bean soup delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Simmering with rich, aromatic herbs and tender white beans, the recipe captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking.

Robust vegetables mingle with creamy legumes, creating a deeply satisfying meal that warms from within.

Fragrant rosemary and garlic infuse each bite with Mediterranean charm.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this soup stands as a testament to simple, nourishing cuisine.

Ladle up a bowl and let the robust flavors transport you to the rolling hills of Tuscany.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this soul-satisfying soup.

FAQs

• Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, you can use dried white beans. Soak them overnight, then cook until tender before adding to the soup. This method takes longer but provides a richer flavor.

• Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

The basic recipe is vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For extra protein, you can add vegetarian sausage or tofu.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

Add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or include a protein like cooked quinoa or small pasta. A handful of grated parmesan cheese on top also adds substance.

• What kind of wine works best in this recipe?

A dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc works perfectly. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with additional vegetable broth.

Tuscan White Bean Soup Benefits

• Carefully sautéing vegetables and using wine creates deep, rich layers of taste that elevate this simple soup from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Requires minimal preparation and cooking skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with protein-rich white beans, hearty vegetables, and nutrient-dense kale, this soup delivers a wholesome and satisfying meal that nourishes the body and soul.
• Easily adaptable for vegetarians, can be served as a starter or main course, and appeals to different taste preferences with its balanced and comforting flavors.

Ingredients for Tuscan White Bean Soup

• White Beans: A creamy, protein-packed legume that provides the hearty base for this Tuscan soup.
• Onion: A foundational aromatic that adds depth and sweetness to the soup's flavor profile.
• Celery, Carrots: Classic vegetables that contribute a rich vegetable base and subtle sweetness.

• Garlic: A robust ingredient that adds intense, pungent flavor to the soup.
• Bay Leaves: Provides a subtle herbal background note during simmering.
• Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the overall taste of the soup.

• Kale: A nutrient-dense leafy green that adds texture and a fresh, slightly bitter element.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the soup's flavors.
• Lemon Juice: An optional bright, acidic component to lift the soup's overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth, rich base to the cooking process.

Equipment for Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup, preferably with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for chopping onions, garlic, celery, and carrots with precision.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing vegetables safely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Blender or Immersion Blender: Used to create smooth, creamy texture by partially pureeing the soup.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring wine and other liquid ingredients.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the soup and transferring it between pot and blender.

How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Onions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Gently cook chopped onions until they turn golden and develop a rich, caramelized aroma, releasing their sweet flavor into the base of the soup.

Step 2: Layer Aromatic Vegetables

• Minced garlic
• Diced celery
• Chopped carrots

Sauté the vegetables for about 10 minutes, allowing them to soften and develop a deep, rich color that will enhance the soup’s overall depth of flavor.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in white wine, stirring to lift any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Let the wine simmer and reduce, concentrating its flavors and creating a more complex taste profile.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Add all remaining ingredients except kale to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and cover.

Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Remove bay leaves from the soup.

Use an immersion blender or standard blender to puree 2-3 cups of the soup until smooth and velvety.

Carefully return the blended portion back to the pot.

Step 6: Final Touches

Stir in fresh kale and simmer until the leaves become tender and vibrant green.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, rustic flavors of Tuscan White Bean Soup.

White Bean Soup Cooking Tips

• Saute vegetables until slightly browned to develop rich, caramelized undertones that boost the soup's overall taste profile.
• Choose a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to add subtle acidity and complexity without overpowering the beans.
• Partially blending the soup creates a creamy consistency while maintaining some bean and vegetable chunks for satisfying mouthfeel.
• This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld, so consider preparing in advance for more intense taste.
• Swap kale with spinach or Swiss chard, and use vegetable broth to make the soup completely vegetarian or vegan-friendly.

White Bean Soup Variations

• Vegetarian Protein Powerhouse: Replace white beans with chickpeas or lentils for added protein and different texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap bay leaves with fresh rosemary and thyme, adding a robust Mediterranean herb profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Version: Use gluten-free white wine or vegetable broth instead of regular wine, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation.
• Spicy Kick Edition: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during vegetable sautéing for a zesty, warming sensation.

Serving Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty Italian bread or sourdough slices to soak up the rich, flavorful broth and add delightful texture.
• Garnish Galore: Top with fresh chopped parsley, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or crispy pancetta crumbles for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
• Hearty Meal Upgrade: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to create a complete, satisfying meal that balances the soup's warmth and depth.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the soup with a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage for Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Store cooled soup in airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency. Stays good for 2-3 months.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of water or broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed through.

Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Tuscan white bean soup brings rustic Italian comfort to your kitchen. Creamy beans, aromatic herbs, and rich broth create a soul-warming meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 1/2–4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 celery stalk, diced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup white wine (pinot grigio)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing diced onions until they develop a golden-brown caramelized texture.
2. Introduce minced garlic, chopped celery, and diced carrots to the pot. Allow vegetables to soften and slightly brown for approximately 10 minutes, intensifying their natural flavors.
3. Deglaze the pot with white wine, stirring continuously until the liquid reduces and nearly evaporates, roughly 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate white beans, herbs, and broth into the vegetable mixture. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld together.
5. Remove bay leaves from the soup. Using an immersion blender or standard blender, puree 2-3 cups of the soup until smooth and creamy, then return the mixture to the pot.
6. Fold in fresh kale leaves, simmering until they become tender and slightly wilted. Taste and fine-tune the seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Notes

• Perfectly caramelize onions by cooking slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to develop deep, rich flavor without burning.
• Enhance vegetable depth by letting celery and carrots brown slightly, which releases natural sugars and creates a more complex taste profile.
• Customize dietary needs by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth to make the soup completely vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
• Boost protein content by adding cooked shredded chicken or crispy pancetta for extra texture and flavor variation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 37 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg