Tuscan White Bean Soup

 

 

“A hearty and flavorful soup with creamy white beans, vibrant vegetables, and savory herbs—perfect for a cozy meal!”

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (like cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.

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Step 2: Add Broth and Beans

1. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Stir in the white beans and diced tomatoes (with their juices).

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Step 3: Simmer

1. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup.

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Step 4: Add Greens

1. Stir in the spinach or kale and cook for 3–5 minutes, until wilted.
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

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Step 5: Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
2. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nourishing and Wholesome: Packed with vegetables and protein-rich white beans.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Customizable: Adapt with your favorite greens or add cooked sausage or pancetta for extra flavor.

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Pro Tips for Success

1. Boost Flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice before serving for brightness.
2. Use Fresh Herbs: Swap dried herbs for fresh ones to enhance the Tuscan flavor.
3. Thicker Soup: Blend more beans or add a small handful of uncooked pasta to thicken the broth as it cooks.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens.
• Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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This Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting, nutritious dish that’s perfect for any season. Enjoy the blend of creamy beans and vibrant vegetables in every spoonful! 🥣🌿✨