Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the warmth of Italy to your table. This creamy soup is packed with protein from white beans and Italian sausage, making it perfect for chilly evenings. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and comforting texture. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in just one pot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Tuscan White Bean Soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Delights: The combination of Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and herbs creates a rich taste that warms the soul.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for leftovers! The flavors deepen when reheated, making it even better the next day.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or alongside crusty bread for a delicious lunch.
- Nutrient-Packed: With beans and spinach, this soup is loaded with protein and vitamins.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools. A few essential pieces of equipment will help you create this delightful Tuscan White Bean Soup effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution, allowing your soup to simmer perfectly.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware while breaking up sausage easily.
Ingredients
For the 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 Flavoring
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Soup
- 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
- 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 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. Then add garlic and cook for one more minute.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Beans
Pour in chicken broth and beans. Bring to a simmer. Continue simmering for 6–7 minutes until celery and carrots are tender.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Add heavy cream and spinach to the pot. Cook until spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Serve warm garnished with parsley for an extra touch of freshness. Enjoy your delicious Tuscan White Bean Soup!
How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is not only hearty and delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some great ways to enjoy this tasty dish.
With Crusty Bread
- A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, enhancing the meal’s comfort.
Topped with Parmesan Cheese
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added layer of richness and flavor.
Accompanied by a Salad
- A light salad, such as a simple green salad or Caesar salad, complements the soup nicely and adds freshness.
With a Drizzle of Olive Oil
- Finish each bowl with a drizzle of good quality olive oil to enrich the flavors and add a touch of elegance.
Served with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with extra chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor that brightens the dish.
As a Meal Prep Option
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated easily, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
How to Perfect Tuscan White Bean Soup
Perfecting Tuscan White Bean Soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out amazing every time.
- Use high-quality sausage: Choose fresh, mild Italian sausage for the best flavor. It enhances the overall taste profile of the soup.
- Don’t rush the vegetables: Allow onions, celery, and carrots to soften properly before adding other ingredients; this builds rich flavor.
- Season in layers: Add spices gradually during cooking to develop deeper flavors. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Opt for low-sodium broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you more control over seasoning while keeping salt levels in check.
- Add spinach at the end: Incorporate spinach just before serving for a vibrant color and fresh taste without overcooking it.
- Consider adding lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy beans.
Best Side Dishes for Tuscan White Bean Soup
Pairing side dishes with Tuscan White Bean Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful soup perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of your delicious soup.
- Caprese Salad: Refreshing tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a light side that balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and additional nutrients to your meal.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables provides a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs offers protein and fiber while keeping the meal healthy.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta can be served as a side or even as a base for your Tuscan White Bean Soup, adding another layer of texture.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or rice offer a filling yet healthy accompaniment.
- Simple Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse your palate between bites of flavorful soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Tuscan White Bean Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping the sausage browning: Don’t underestimate the importance of browning the sausage. This step adds depth and flavor to your soup.
- Not chopping vegetables uniformly: If your vegetables are cut unevenly, they will cook at different rates. Aim for consistent sizes for even cooking.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! Adjusting seasonings after adding broth will ensure the flavors are balanced and delicious.
- Overcooking the spinach: Adding spinach too early can lead to a mushy texture. Add it towards the end for a vibrant color and fresh taste.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth is a key ingredient, so use a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor in your Tuscan White Bean Soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Tuscan White Bean Soup in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Freezer-safe containers work best for long-term storage.
- You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just leave out the cream until reheating.
Reheating Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Tuscan White Bean Soup:
Can I make Tuscan White Bean Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for added flavor without meat.
How can I customize my Tuscan White Bean Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or kale. You can also play with spices to suit your taste.
What should I serve with Tuscan White Bean Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I store leftover Tuscan White Bean Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan White Bean Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is perfect for any occasion. You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have at home, making it a delightful option year-round. Try it today and experience the warmth and satisfaction it brings!
Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. This hearty soup features tender white beans, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant vegetables slow-cooked to perfection. Rich in flavors and nutrients, it’s an ideal choice for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners. Quick to prepare in just one pot, this creamy soup allows you to indulge in culinary warmth without the hassle. With its protein-packed ingredients and deliciously rich texture, Tuscan White Bean Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 3 ribs celery (diced)
- 2 large carrots (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs for seasoning
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked (about 10–15 minutes). Break it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Lower the heat to medium, add diced onion, celery, and carrots; sauté until softened (3–5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic for an additional minute.
- Mix in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and add drained beans; bring to simmer for about 6–7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and fresh spinach; cook until spinach wilts (about 5 minutes).
- Serve warm with chopped parsley as garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups / 360g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
