Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
This comforting Tuscan White Bean Soup features cannellini beans simmered with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs in a hearty broth. Creamy and flavorful, it can be blended to a smooth texture or enjoyed chunky, perfect for a nourishing meal any time of year.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
Liquids and Beans
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creamier soup)
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until warm but not smoking to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, and crushed red pepper if using. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release the aromas of the herbs and garlic.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the 4 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth along with the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Add the bay leaf and stir everything together.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Blend the Soup (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend half or all of the soup directly in the pot. You can skip this step if you prefer a chunkier soup.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream to enrich the soup if desired, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level of the soup.
- For a vegan version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the heavy cream or use coconut cream.
- Crushed red pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Blending half the soup keeps some texture while still giving creaminess.
Keywords: Tuscan White Bean Soup, cannellini beans, creamy white bean soup, Italian soup recipe, easy soup, healthy bean soup