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Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

White bean soup is a traditional dish made from beans,vegetables, and seasonings, simmered together to create a flavorful and heartymeal. The base usually consists of white beans, such as cannellini or navybeans, combined with vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. It isoften seasoned with herbs such as thyme and bay leaves, giving it a rich,savory taste.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups of dried white beans or 3 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 carrots peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups spinach optional, but adds a nice color and boost of nutrients
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for a tangy finish
  • Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Wooden Spoon or Ladle
  • Can Opener
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Blender (optional)

Method
 

  1. Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
  2. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the Beans and Broth: If you're using dried beans, add them to the pot along with the broth and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. For canned beans, add them now and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Season the Soup: Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  5. Blend the Soup (Optional): For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or transfer a portion to a blender and then return it to the pot.
  6. Add Spinach and Lemon Juice: If desired, stir in spinach and lemon juice for extra flavor and nutrients. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with Parmesan cheese (if using), and serve hot.

Notes

This white bean soup is highly customizable to your taste preferences. If you prefer a more smoky flavor, feel free to add smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to boost the flavor profile. For a richer soup, consider adding a splash of cream or coconut milk. If you’re meal prepping, this soup holds up beautifully in the fridge for 4-5 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.