Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
This comforting Tuscan White Bean Soup combines creamy cannellini beans with hearty vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a touch of white wine for depth of flavor. Simmered and partially blended to create a perfect balance of texture and richness, it’s a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for cozy nights.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Soup Base
- 3 (15 ounce) 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
- 1/3 cup white wine (Pinot Grigio recommended)
- 2 1/2 – 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (omit if sensitive to spice)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Greens
- 2 cups chopped kale (stems removed, finely chopped)
- Sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until it begins to brown slightly, about 5-7 minutes, to develop a rich flavor base.
- Add veggies: Stir in the minced garlic, diced celery, and chopped carrots. Continue sautéing for about 10 minutes to soften the vegetables and allow them to brown slightly, enhancing the soup’s taste.
- Add wine: Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates, around 5 minutes. This step adds depth and complexity to the broth.
- Add all ingredients: Incorporate the rinsed cannellini beans, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried oregano, and start by adding 2 1/2 cups of the broth. Stir everything to combine well.
- Boil: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Blend: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Carefully transfer 2 1/2 to 3 cups of the soup into a blender. Blend until smooth to create a creamy texture while keeping some chunkiness from the beans and veggies.
- Stir: Pour the blended soup back into the pot and stir to combine thoroughly. Add more broth if the soup is too thick until your desired consistency is achieved.
- Add kale: Stir in the chopped kale and simmer the soup for a few more minutes until the kale wilts and softens. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of hearty bread on the side for a complete, satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the broth quantity between 2 1/2 to 4 cups based on your preference for soup thickness.
- Red pepper flakes can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to add brightness.
- This soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for longer storage.
Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, cannellini bean soup, vegetarian soup, Italian soup, kale soup, healthy soup