Here’s a warm and hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup recipe that’s full of rustic Italian flavor and super satisfying—perfect for cozy nights in or an easy weeknight dinner.
🥣 Tuscan White Bean Soup
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (like cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted is great!)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-veg version)
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, but brightens the flavor)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
🍳 Instructions
- Sauté the base:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. - Add garlic and herbs:
Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. - Add beans, tomatoes, and broth:
Pour in the white beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and broth. Bring to a gentle boil. - Simmer:
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, letting the flavors come together. - Add greens:
Stir in the kale or spinach and simmer for another 5–7 minutes, until wilted and tender. - Finish it off:
Add lemon juice (if using) and season to taste with salt and pepper. - Serve:
Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dunking!
📝 Tips & Variations
- Creamier texture? Mash some of the beans in the pot or blend a cup of the soup and stir it back in.
- Make it meaty: Add diced pancetta or Italian sausage at the beginning and brown it with the veggies.
- Want it vegan? It already is! Just skip the cheese topping or use a plant-based alternative.
- Using dried beans? Soak and cook them ahead of time, then use 3–4 cups of cooked beans in place of canned.
[…] 5. Tuscan White Bean SoupThis rustic Italian-inspired soup is hearty without being heavy. Cannellini beans, kale, carrots, and rosemary simmer together in a rich broth. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and a glug of olive oil on top—it’s comfort in every bite. […]