Name: Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cans of white beans (cannellini or great northern); 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 can diced tomatoes; 2 cups kale, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for sautéing

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Why Make This Recipe

Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup is a warm and filling dish that brings comfort on cold days. It’s a perfect blend of healthy ingredients that comes together in one pot, making it easy to prepare. This soup is not only delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients. The white beans provide protein and fiber, while the vegetables add vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have stored in your kitchen.

How to Make Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

Ingredients:

2 cans of white beans (cannellini or great northern)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups kale, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for sautéing

Directions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
Stir in the garlic, thyme, and oregano, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add the white beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Stir in the chopped kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve hot with thick, crusty bread on the side.

How to Serve Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup is best served hot. It pairs wonderfully with thick, crusty bread for dipping. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Feel free to serve it in bowls with a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal.

How to Store Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

To store the soup, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled soup in freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Tips to Make Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

Use fresh vegetables whenever possible for the best flavor.
If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender and then mix it back in.
Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add more herbs or spices if you like it spicier.

Variation

You can easily customize this soup by adding different vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers. For a non-vegetarian version, you can toss in some cooked chicken or Italian sausage for added protein.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans. Just soak them overnight and cook them fully before adding them to the soup.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth and ensure any added ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it in the fridge or freeze it as mentioned above.