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A bowl of Tuscan White Bean Soup garnished with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Tuscan White Bean Soup

This hearty and comforting Tuscan White Bean Soup is packed with creamy white beans, aromatic herbs, and a rich broth—perfect for a cozy meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle
  • Blender or immersion blender (optional)

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups white beans Cannellini, Great Northern, or Navy beans. Use canned (drained and rinsed) or dried (soaked overnight).
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Extra virgin, for sautéing.
  • 1 onion Diced.
  • 1 carrot Diced.
  • 1 celery stalk Diced.
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1 can diced tomatoes Optional, for added depth. 14 oz.
  • 4-5 cups vegetable or chicken broth Use homemade if possible.

Seasonings & Herbs

  • 1 tsp salt To taste.
  • ½ tsp black pepper To taste.
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes Optional, for heat.
  • 1 rosemary sprig Fresh, for flavor.
  • 1 bay leaf For extra depth.
  • 1 Parmesan rind Optional, adds umami flavor.

For Serving

  • extra virgin olive oil For drizzling.
  • fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish.
  • grated Parmesan cheese For topping.
  • crusty Italian bread For serving.

Instructions
 

  • Dice the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic and chop any fresh herbs.
  • If using dried beans, soak them overnight in a large bowl of water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
  • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, white beans, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
  • If using a Parmesan rind, add it now for extra flavor.
  • Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes. If using dried beans, simmer for up to an hour.
  • For a creamier texture, blend about a third of the soup using an immersion blender, or transfer some to a blender and mix it back in.
  • Remove the bay leaf and rosemary sprig before serving.
  • Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For extra flavor, serve with toasted garlic bread and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Keyword Comfort Food, Tuscan Soup, White Bean Soup