Name: Tuscan White Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cans of cannellini beans; 1 yellow onion; 4 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 large carrots; 1 stalk celery; 1/3 cup white grape juice; 2 cups chopped kale; Vegetable or chicken broth; Tomato paste; Salt; Black pepper; Red pepper flakes; Italian seasoning; Bay leaves; Dried thyme; Dried oregano

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If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, this Tuscan White Bean Soup is sure to become one of your favorites! It’s packed with nourishing ingredients and bursting with flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal. The best part? This recipe is simple enough to whip up on a weekday but impressive enough for family gatherings or dinner parties.

This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and healthy. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with protein, making it a fantastic choice for everyone at the table. Pair it with some rustic gluten-free bread for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that feels indulgent while being wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup means more time enjoying your meal!
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and hearty flavors.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
Nourishing Comfort: Perfectly warming for those chilly days when you need a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now, let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients. You’ll find everything you need right at your local grocery store, making this recipe easy to prepare anytime!

For the Soup

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 grape juice
2 cups chopped kale (stems removed, finely chopped)
2 1/2 – 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (see notes)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
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

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Tuscan White Bean Soup is its flexibility. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you prefer!

Add More Greens: Toss in spinach or Swiss chard instead of kale for a different flavor.
Make It Heartier: Include diced potatoes or quinoa for extra substance.
Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or some chili powder if you like heat.
Boost the Flavor: Stir in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving for an aromatic touch.

How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and begins to brown slightly. This step is crucial because caramelizing the onions brings out their sweetness and adds depth of flavor to our soup.

Step 2: Add More Veggies

Once your onions are looking great, add in the minced garlic, diced celery, and chopped carrots. Keep sautéing for another 10 minutes until these veggies soften and brown slightly. The browning will create even more delicious flavor in our soup!

Step 3: Deglaze with Grape Juice

Next, pour in the white grape juice, stirring well until most of the liquid evaporates—about five minutes should do it. This helps lift all those lovely browned bits from the bottom of the pot, infusing our soup with even more rich flavors.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Now it’s time to add all remaining ingredients except for the kale. Remember that broth? Start with 2 1/2 cups and adjust later as needed. Stir everything together well and bring it to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer Away

Cover your pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Blend It Up

After simmering, discard the bay leaves. Transfer about 2 1/2 – 3 cups worth of soup into a blender and blend until smooth. This step gives our Tuscan White Bean Soup that lovely creamy texture without needing any dairy!

Step 7: Mix Again

Pour your blended soup back into the pot and stir well to combine everything again. If it feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Wilt in the Kale

Add in your chopped kale now and let it simmer for just a few minutes until wilted. Before serving, taste your soup! Adjust salt, pepper, or add a squeeze of lemon juice if you’d like a little brightness.

Step 9: Serve Warm

Finally, serve your Tuscan White Bean Soup warm as is or alongside some hearty gluten-free bread for dipping. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Tuscan White Bean Soup

Making the perfect Tuscan white bean soup is all about layering flavors and finding that right balance. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors and nutrients, making your soup more appealing and nutritious.
Adjust broth to preference: Start with the lower amount of broth and gradually add more as needed. This allows you to control the thickness of the soup, ensuring you achieve your desired consistency.
Blend for creaminess: Blending a portion of the soup creates a creamy texture without any dairy. It makes the soup feel heartier and adds a delicious richness that complements the beans perfectly.
Taste as you go: Seasoning is key! Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity (with a squeeze of lemon) to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Allow time for flavors to meld: If you have time, let your soup sit for an hour or so before serving. This resting period helps the ingredients mingle together, creating a richer taste.

How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup

This Tuscan white bean soup is not only hearty but also versatile in how you present it. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more delightful!

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can elevate your soup’s presentation and flavor profile:

Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bowl.
A drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving enhances the richness while providing an inviting shine.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Tuscan white bean soup with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal:

Rustic gluten-free bread: Perfect for dipping, this hearty bread will soak up all those delicious flavors from the soup. Consider sourdough or whole grain options!
Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the soup while adding crunch.
Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots provide additional textures and sweet notes that harmonize with the savory beans.
Quinoa or brown rice: For those looking for an extra boost of protein and fiber, serve a side of cooked quinoa or brown rice. These grains complement the soup beautifully while adding substance to your meal.

Enjoy creating this cozy meal that warms both your heart and stomach!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tuscan White Bean Soup is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze some for later. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your soup:

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
For ease of use, consider freezing in single servings.

Reheating

Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Tuscan White Bean Soup:

Can I use other beans in place of cannellini beans?

While cannellini beans are traditional for this Tuscan White Bean Soup, you can substitute them with other white beans like navy or great northern beans if needed.

How should I adjust this recipe if I want to make it spicier?

To add more heat to your Tuscan White Bean Soup, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Just remember to taste as you go!

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Tuscan White Bean Soup is great for meal prep. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer as outlined above.

What can I serve with this soup?

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with rustic gluten-free bread for dipping. You could also serve it alongside a simple salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting Tuscan White Bean Soup! It’s a versatile recipe that brings warmth and flavor to your table. Whether you’re dining solo or sharing with loved ones, this soup is sure to please. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings or sides. Happy cooking!

Tuscan White Bean Soup

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Author: Amelia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Main
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Tuscan White Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up chilly evenings or busy weeknights. This hearty and nutritious soup combines creamy cannellini beans with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a splash of white grape juice for depth. Not only is it vegan and gluten-free, but it’s also packed with protein, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Easily customizable with your favorite veggies and spices, this one-pot wonder is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for gatherings. Pair it with rustic gluten-free bread for a delightful dining experience.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cans of cannellini beans
1 yellow onion
4 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large carrots
1 stalk celery
1/3 cup white grape juice
2 cups chopped kale
Vegetable or chicken broth
Tomato paste
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes
Italian seasoning
Bay leaves
Dried thyme
Dried oregano

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Instructions

Sauté onion in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic, celery, and carrots; cook until softened.
Deglaze the pot with white grape juice, scraping up browned bits.
Combine all remaining ingredients (except kale) and bring to a boil.
Simmer covered for about 15 minutes.
Blend part of the soup until smooth for creaminess.
Stir in kale and simmer until wilted. Adjust seasoning before serving.