Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. With its creamy texture, savory Italian sausage, and nutritious vegetables, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping for the week. It’s also an excellent choice for gatherings or family meals, as it delights a crowd with its rich taste and wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze after a delicious meal.
- Flavorful Layers: The combination of Italian sausage, herbs, and spices creates a depth of flavor that’s both satisfying and comforting.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with crusty bread for dipping; it’s perfect for any occasion.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and beans, this soup is not only delicious but also nourishing.
- Leftover Magic: The soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or reheating.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the essential tools beforehand. Having the right equipment ensures you can focus on creating the perfect Tuscan White Bean Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven: This pot is perfect for even heat distribution, allowing your soup to cook thoroughly while developing rich flavors.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware and helps break up the sausage as it cooks.
Ingredients
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a delicious one-pot dish with layers of flavors from Italian sausage, vegetables, herbs, and spices with creamy white beans and spinach. It’s a wholesome meal that you will love! And, it’s so good when reheated as the flavors all come together even more!
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion (diced about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 ribs celery (diced)
- 2 large carrots (sliced into rounds)
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
For Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Liquid and Creaminess
- 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
- 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
For Garnish
- Parsley (chopped for garnish)
How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
To a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat. Stir occasionally for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Reduce heat to medium. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until onions have softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Incorporate Seasonings
Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Beans
Add chicken broth and beans. Bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 6-7 minutes or until the celery and carrots have softened.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Add heavy cream and spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach is wilted, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve warm in bowls garnished with chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup
Serving Tuscan White Bean Soup can elevate your dining experience. This hearty soup pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.
With Crusty Bread
- A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up all the delicious broth.
Topped with Parmesan
- Grated or shaved Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture that complements the soup beautifully.
With a Side Salad
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing touch.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving for an aromatic finish that brightens the dish.
With Olive Oil Drizzle
- A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavors and adds a luxurious sheen to your bowl.
How to Perfect Tuscan White Bean Soup
To achieve the best version of Tuscan White Bean Soup, follow these simple tips to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs add depth and brightness to your soup.
- Sauté Properly: Ensure you sauté the vegetables until softened. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference for a personalized touch.
- Let it Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer helps all the flavors meld together, creating a richer taste.
- Choose Quality Beans: Use high-quality canned beans or soak dried beans overnight for better texture and flavor.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like thyme or rosemary for added complexity in flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Tuscan White Bean Soup
Pairing side dishes with Tuscan White Bean Soup can create a complete meal. Here are some delicious options that work wonderfully together.
- Garlic Bread: The crunchy garlic bread is ideal for dipping and complements the savory flavors of the soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and tanginess, balancing the creaminess of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide an earthy taste and make for a healthy side option.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese offers a comforting side that pairs well with bean soups.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an umami kick that enhances your meal’s overall flavor profile.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs and lemon zest is refreshing and nutritious alongside the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Tuscan White Bean Soup is simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Using low-quality sausage: The sausage adds a lot of flavor. Choose a good quality mild Italian sausage for the best taste.
- Skipping the sauté step: This step builds layers of flavor. Always sauté the vegetables and sausage until they are softened before adding liquids.
- Not seasoning adequately: Taste your soup as you go. Adjusting seasonings throughout cooking ensures a well-balanced flavor in your Tuscan White Bean Soup.
- Overcooking the spinach: Add the spinach at the end to keep its vibrant color and nutrients. Cooking it too long can make it mushy.
- Ignoring leftovers storage: Properly store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness. This soup tastes even better the next day!
- Rushing the simmering process: Letting it simmer allows flavors to meld together. Avoid rushing this step for a more delicious result.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Tuscan White Bean Soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space for expansion.
Reheating Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Tuscan White Bean Soup.
Can I make Tuscan White Bean Soup vegan?
Yes! You can substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I adjust the thickness of my Tuscan White Bean Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans or add more beans. For a thinner consistency, add additional broth or water.
What type of beans work best in this Tuscan White Bean Soup?
Great Northern beans are ideal, but you can also use cannellini beans or navy beans for similar results.
Can I add other vegetables to my Tuscan White Bean Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale based on your preference.
How long does it take to cook Tuscan White Bean Soup?
The entire process takes around 30-40 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan White Bean Soup is not just comforting; it’s also versatile and packed with flavors that everyone will love. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste. Try making this delightful soup today!
Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a delightful, one-pot dish that captures the essence of Italian comfort food. With its creamy texture and rich flavors from savory Italian sausage, nutritious vegetables, and tender white beans, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep. You can easily serve it as a wholesome main course or as a starter for gatherings. The simplicity of preparation—just one pot—makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights without compromising on flavor. Garnished with fresh parsley and served alongside crusty bread, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 3 ribs celery (diced)
- 2 large carrots (sliced)
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon (about 10-15 minutes).
- Reduce heat to medium, add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened (3-5 minutes), then stir in garlic for an additional minute.
- Mix in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and beans; bring to a simmer for 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and spinach; cook until spinach is wilted (about 5 minutes).
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
