This Tuscan white bean soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress your guests, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s packed with flavor, nutritious ingredients, and is vegan-friendly. Enjoy it warm with gluten-free rustic bread for a delightful meal that warms the soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This recipe is made in one pot, making cleanup easy.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of cannellini beans, kale, and spices creates a rich flavor.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables.
- Healthy and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup keeps you satisfied without weighing you down.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for meal prepping.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Tuscan white bean soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups as it allows for even heat distribution.
- Blender: Necessary for achieving a smooth consistency when blending part of the soup.
Ingredients
For this Tuscan white bean soup, gather the following ingredients:
Base Ingredients
- 3 15 ounce cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 2 large carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 1 stalk celery (diced)
- 2 cups chopped kale (stems removed, finely chopped)
Flavor Enhancers
- 1/3 cup white apple vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (omit if you don’t like spice)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Broth
- 2 1/2 – 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it begins to brown slightly.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Once the onion has softened, add minced garlic, diced celery, and chopped carrots. Sauté these vegetables for about 10 minutes until they are tender.
Step 3: Incorporate Vinegar
Add the white apple vinegar to the pot. Cook until most of the liquid evaporates, which should take around 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Stir in all remaining ingredients except for the kale. Use between 2 1/2 to 4 cups of broth based on your desired consistency. Mix well.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil. Then cover it, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step 6: Blend Part of the Soup
Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Transfer about 2 1/2 – 3 cups of soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
Step 7: Combine Blended Soup
Pour the blended soup back into the pot and stir well. Adjust thickness with additional broth as needed.
Step 8: Add Kale
Stir in chopped kale and let it simmer briefly until wilted. Taste your soup and adjust flavors if necessary with extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Step 9: Serve
Enjoy your Tuscan white bean soup warm on its own or paired with some hearty gluten-free bread!
With these steps, you’ll create a delicious bowl of Tuscan white bean soup that everyone will love!
How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup
Serving Tuscan white bean soup can elevate your dining experience. This hearty soup is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and toppings that enhance its flavors.
With Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked bread adds a delightful crunch and is perfect for dipping into the soup. Choose a gluten-free option to complement the meal.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Adding freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil introduces a burst of flavor and freshness that brightens the soup.
With a Drizzle of Olive Oil
- A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving enhances the richness and provides a beautiful finish.
Accompanied by Salad
- A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the soup and adds a refreshing element to your meal.
How to Perfect Tuscan White Bean Soup
Creating the perfect Tuscan white bean soup involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to enhance your dish:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will significantly improve the flavor and nutrition of your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: Start with less broth; you can always add more if needed, ensuring your soup isn’t too watery.
- Blend for Creaminess: Pureeing part of the soup gives it a creamy texture without needing dairy, making it rich and satisfying.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning gradually to ensure you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a bit after cooking helps intensify the flavors as they meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Tuscan White Bean Soup
Pairing sides with Tuscan white bean soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread spread with garlic butter is perfect for sopping up every last drop of delicious soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until crispy add texture and nutrition to your meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing offers a nutty flavor that complements the beans well.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A gooey grilled cheese sandwich (use gluten-free bread) provides comfort and pairs wonderfully with the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices add color and heartiness to your table setting.
- Bruschetta: Topped with tomatoes, basil, and garlic, bruschetta adds freshness that contrasts nicely with the warm soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Tuscan white bean soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to steer clear of them.
- Bold Flavor Choices: Using too little salt can leave the soup tasting bland. Always taste your soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Bold Veggie Prep: Not chopping vegetables uniformly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure your veggies are cut similarly for even texture.
- Bold Broth Selection: Using low-quality broth can affect the overall flavor. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for the best results.
- Bold Timing Errors: Adding kale too early might cause it to lose its vibrant color and texture. Add it towards the end of cooking for the best results.
- Bold Blending Technique: Over-blending can turn your soup into a paste. Blend only until smooth, maintaining some texture for variety.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
- The soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, adding broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Tuscan white bean soup.
Can I use different beans in Tuscan White Bean Soup?
Yes! While cannellini beans are traditional, you can substitute with white kidney beans or navy beans for a similar texture.
How can I make Tuscan White Bean Soup spicier?
To add heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or incorporate diced jalapeños during cooking.
Is Tuscan White Bean Soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not include any wheat-based ingredients.
What should I serve with Tuscan White Bean Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic gluten-free bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan white bean soup is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors. It’s perfect for meal prep and offers plenty of room for customization based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy it plain or with crusty bread, this soup promises comfort and nourishment. Give it a try!
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Enjoy this easy Tuscan White Bean Soup that’s vegan and gluten-free! Perfect for meal prep—try it today!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 3 cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 1 stalk celery (diced)
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1/3 cup white apple vinegar
- 2 ½ – 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (omit if preferred)
- Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until lightly browned.
- Stir in garlic, celery, and carrots; cook for about 10 minutes until tender.
- Add white apple vinegar and cook until it evaporates mostly.
- Mix in cannellini beans and broth to your preferred consistency; stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend part of the soup until smooth, then return to the pot.
- Stir in chopped kale and simmer briefly until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg