Tuscan White Bean Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms both the body and soul, this Tuscan White Bean Soup is just the ticket! It’s one of those recipes that feels like a big hug in a bowl. I love how it combines simple ingredients to create something so comforting and nourishing. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make in just one pot. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein, making it a great choice for everyone at your table. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or prepping for lunch throughout the week, this Tuscan White Bean Soup is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just one pot needed, clean-up is a breeze. You can whip up this soup in about 50 minutes!
• Healthy and Wholesome: Loaded with beans and veggies, it’s full of protein and fiber without any animal-derived ingredients.
• Versatile Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals later in the week.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of herbs and vegetables creates a rich flavor profile that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty soup, especially when served with some crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful soup! Most of these items are pantry staples, making it easy to whip this up anytime you’re craving something warm and comforting.

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 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 best things about this Tuscan White Bean Soup is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in extra greens like spinach or Swiss chard for added nutrition.
• Boost the Protein: Stir in some cooked quinoa or lentils for an extra protein punch.
• Make it Creamy: Blend in some coconut milk after cooking for a creamy texture without dairy.
• Spice it Up: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.

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. Sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent and slightly browned—this process brings out its natural sweetness. Once the onion is soft, add minced garlic along with diced celery and carrots. Sauté these veggies together for about 10 minutes until they soften further. This step builds the flavorful base of your soup!

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters

Next, pour in the white grape juice to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom as you let it simmer until most of the liquid evaporates—about 5 minutes. This adds depth to your soup’s flavor!

Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Now it’s time to add all remaining ingredients except for the kale. Include those luscious cannellini beans along with vegetable broth—start with 2 1/2 cups—and stir everything together. Bring this mixture to a boil before covering and reducing heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes so that all flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Blend for Texture

After simmering, discard those bay leaves! Transfer about 2 1/2 – 3 cups worth of soup into a blender and blend until smooth—this step creates a creamy texture while keeping some bean chunks intact for heartiness. Pour this back into your pot and stir well; if it’s too thick, don’t hesitate to add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Kale

Finally, stir in the chopped kale and allow it to wilt into your soup over low heat for just a few minutes. Give it a taste test here; I usually find myself adding an extra sprinkle of salt or pepper along with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up. Serve warm either alone or alongside some hearty gluten-free bread—you won’t be able to resist dipping! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Tuscan White Bean Soup

Making Tuscan white bean soup is a delightful experience, and a few handy tips can elevate your dish even more!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also boost the nutritional value of your soup. Opt for seasonal produce whenever possible to maximize taste!

• Adjust broth to preference: Start with less broth, as you can always add more later to achieve your desired consistency. This way, you have control over how thick or thin your soup becomes.

• Blend for texture: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture without using dairy. It adds richness and helps incorporate all those wonderful flavors evenly.

• Taste as you go: Always sample your soup before serving! Adjusting seasonings like salt, pepper, or lemon juice at the end ensures that each bowl is perfectly seasoned to your liking.

• Store properly: If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors fresh and prevent spoilage.

How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup

Presenting your Tuscan white bean soup can be just as enjoyable as making it. Here are some ideas to make it look and taste even better!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil on top adds a burst of freshness and color.
• A drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle not only enhances flavor but also gives a beautiful sheen to your soup.
• Lemon zest: Adding a bit of lemon zest right before serving provides a bright finish that complements the beans superbly.

Side Dishes

• Rustic gluten-free bread: Perfect for dipping, this hearty bread complements the richness of the soup and makes for a satisfying meal.
• Mixed green salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the warmth of the soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots bring extra flavors and textures that harmonize beautifully with the soup.
• Quinoa or rice: Serving a side of fluffy quinoa or rice can round out the meal by adding additional protein and fiber while soaking up any leftover broth.

Enjoy crafting this comforting Tuscan white bean soup in your kitchen! With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress family and friends alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tuscan white bean soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch in advance, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Here’s how to store it properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• The soup will keep well in the fridge for about 4-5 days.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed for consistency.
• Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious Tuscan white bean soup.

Can I make Tuscan White Bean Soup without kale?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of kale, you can either omit it or substitute it with another leafy green like spinach, which wilts quickly and adds great flavor.

How do I thicken my Tuscan White Bean Soup?

To thicken your soup, blend a portion of it and then stir it back into the pot. Alternatively, you can add a little more tomato paste or reduce the amount of broth used during cooking.

What can I serve with Tuscan White Bean Soup?

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. It’s also wonderful alongside a nice plate of roasted vegetables!

How long does Tuscan White Bean Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup lasts about 4-5 days in the refrigerator. The flavors improve over time, making it great for leftovers!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting Tuscan white bean soup as much as I do! It’s packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a fantastic choice for any day of the week. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy days or just looking for something warm and satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking!