Description
Hearty Tuscan white bean soup brings rustic Italian countryside flavors to your kitchen with creamy cannellini beans and aromatic herbs. Rich textures and comforting warmth invite you to savor a delicious journey through traditional Tuscan culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables and Beans:
- 2 cans (15 ounces or 425 grams each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh kale or spinach, chopped
Spices and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquid and Additional Ingredients:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Initiate the flavor foundation by gently sautéing diced onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until the vegetables turn soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the pan for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes, stirring thoroughly to create a rich, concentrated base that awakens the herbs’ intricate flavors.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, then fold in cannellini beans and diced tomatoes with their natural juices, creating a robust liquid landscape.
- Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop depth for 15-18 minutes.
- Delicately fold chopped kale or spinach into the simmering soup, letting the greens wilt and integrate seamlessly for 4-5 minutes.
- Fine-tune the seasoning with salt, freshly ground pepper, and a splash of bright lemon juice to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Elegantly ladle the soup into serving bowls, crowning each portion with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
- Accompany the soup with a rustic slice of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the rich, herbaceous broth.
Notes
- Customize vegetables by swapping out carrots, celery, or kale with seasonal produce for a fresh twist.
- Enhance protein content by adding diced chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage for a more substantial meal.
- Ensure maximum flavor development by letting the soup simmer longer, which allows herbs and spices to fully integrate.
- Create a creamy texture by partially blending some beans before adding them to the soup, creating a rich, velvety consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg