Name: Amazing Tuscan Bean Soup: 7 Hearty Flavors
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups chopped kale or spinach; Salt and black pepper to taste; Juice of half a lemon; Fresh parsley for garnish

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Tuscan Bean Soup has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially on chilly evenings. I first tasted an authentic Tuscan bean soup during a trip to Florence; the aroma of herbs and the creamy texture of cannellini beans instantly transported me. This hearty Tuscan bean stew is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of pure Italian warmth that fills my kitchen with the most amazing scents of rosemary and garlic. It’s so simple to make, and it truly tastes like it simmered all day. Let’s get cooking this delicious Tuscan white bean soup!

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Bean Soup

This recipe is a true winner for so many reasons. Get ready to fall in love with this amazing Tuscan bean soup!

Incredibly Hearty: It’s a substantial meal that satisfies, perfect for any night of the week.
Packed with Flavor: Aromatic herbs and savory broth create a depth of taste you’ll crave.
Healthy & Nutritious: Loaded with fiber from beans and vitamins from fresh vegetables.
Super Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up this delicious Tuscan white bean soup.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This hearty Tuscan bean stew tastes even better the next day.
Adaptable: Easily made vegan or with added proteins to suit your preferences.
Authentic Italian Taste: It brings a true taste of Italy right to your kitchen.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Tuscan Bean Soup

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a truly memorable Tuscan bean soup. I love how easily these come together to form a rich and comforting dish, reminiscent of a classic Zuppa di fagioli Toscana.

2 tablespoons olive oil – a good quality extra virgin olive oil is key for flavor.
1 yellow onion, diced – provides a sweet aromatic base.
2 carrots, peeled and sliced – adds a touch of sweetness and color.
2 celery stalks, chopped – essential for that classic mirepoix flavor.
3 garlic cloves, minced – because no Italian soup is complete without garlic!
1 teaspoon dried thyme – brings an earthy, peppery note.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary – fragrant and wonderfully aromatic.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – for a gentle warmth that complements the beans.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – adds a lovely acidity and depth.
4 cups vegetable broth – the savory liquid base; use a good quality one for the best flavor.
2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – these creamy beans are the heart of this Tuscan white bean soup.
2 cups chopped kale or spinach – for a boost of nutrients and color.
Salt and black pepper to taste – to perfectly season your hearty Tuscan bean stew.
Juice of half a lemon – brightens everything up at the end.
Fresh parsley for garnish – a sprinkle of green makes it pop!

Amazing Tuscan Bean Soup: 7 Hearty Flavors - Tuscan Bean Soup - additional detail

How to Make Tuscan Bean Soup

Bringing the rustic charm of Italy to your kitchen is easier than you think with this simple Tuscan bean soup recipe. Follow these steps and get ready for a truly comforting meal!

Step 1: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 1 yellow onion, diced, 2 carrots, peeled and sliced, and 2 celery stalks, chopped. Sauté these vegetables for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their sweet aromas. This mirepoix base is crucial for building flavor in your Tuscan white bean soup.
Step 2: Stir in the 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. If you like a little heat, now’s the time to add the 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for just another minute until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant – be careful not to burn it!
Step 3: Pour in the 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring to break them up slightly. This step helps to deepen the tomato flavor in your hearty Tuscan bean stew.
Step 4: Add the 4 cups of vegetable broth and the 2 cans (15 oz each) of cannellini beans, which should be drained and rinsed. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. This allows all those lovely flavors to meld together beautifully, creating that authentic Tuscan soup taste.
Step 5: Stir in the 2 cups of chopped kale or spinach. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender. You want them to be cooked but still retain a vibrant color.
Step 6: Finish your delicious Tuscan bean soup by stirring in the juice of half a lemon. This little touch of acidity really brightens up all the flavors. Taste and season generously with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 7: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Italian bean soup recipe!

Pro Tips for the Best Tuscan Bean Soup

Achieving that perfect, rustic Italian flavor in your Tuscan bean soup is all about a few key details. Here are my best tips to ensure your soup is a resounding success every time!

Always use good quality olive oil; it makes a difference in the final flavor.
Don’t be afraid to add extra herbs if you love them! Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs simmered in the broth add incredible depth.
For an even richer texture, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the greens.
Letting the soup rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving allows the flavors to fully marry.

What’s the secret to perfect Tuscan Bean Soup?

The secret to an authentic Tuscan bean soup lies in building layers of flavor from simple ingredients. Using quality broth, fresh aromatics, and letting it simmer allows the cannellini beans to become wonderfully creamy. For more information on the benefits of beans, check out this nutritional powerhouse.

Can I make Tuscan Bean Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This hearty Tuscan bean stew is fantastic for meal prep. It can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Tuscan Bean Soup?

A common pitfall is not softening the mirepoix enough, which dulls the flavor. Also, be sure to rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium. Finally, don’t overcook the kale; it should be tender, not mushy.

Best Ways to Serve Tuscan Bean Soup

This hearty Tuscan bean stew is wonderfully versatile. My favorite way to serve this simple Tuscan bean soup is with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a big piece of crusty Italian bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth. For a more complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. This Italian bean soup recipe also makes a fantastic appetizer before a more elaborate Italian feast.

Amazing Tuscan Bean Soup: 7 Hearty Flavors - Tuscan Bean Soup - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Tuscan Bean Soup

This hearty Tuscan bean stew recipe is packed with wholesome goodness. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 250
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Tuscan white bean soup. For more information on vegetable nutrition, explore vegetable gardening tips.

How to Store and Reheat Tuscan Bean Soup

One of the best things about this simple Tuscan bean soup recipe is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep. After cooking, let your hearty Tuscan bean stew cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep this delicious Tuscan white bean soup for longer, freezing is a great option! This Italian bean soup recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

When it’s time to reheat, you have a few easy options. For refrigerated soup, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, reheat as you would the refrigerated soup. A little extra broth or water can be added if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscan Bean Soup

What is Tuscan Bean Soup?

Tuscan Bean Soup, or Zuppa di Fagioli Toscana, is a rustic Italian classic, hailing from the Tuscany region. It’s a hearty and comforting dish, typically featuring creamy cannellini beans as the star, simmered with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, often with kale or spinach and flavored with aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme. It’s a wonderful example of simple, flavorful Italian bean soup recipe.

Can I make this Tuscan white bean soup vegan?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is already written to be a vegetarian Tuscan bean soup. To make it a vegan Tuscan bean soup, simply ensure your vegetable broth is vegan and omit any optional meat additions mentioned in the notes. It remains incredibly flavorful and satisfying without any animal products. For more vegan recipes, check out our vegan category.

How do I make my Tuscan bean soup taste more authentic?

To achieve an authentic Tuscan bean soup flavor, focus on quality ingredients. Use a good quality vegetable broth, fresh herbs if possible, and a drizzle of excellent extra virgin olive oil at the end. Simmering time is key to letting the flavors meld. Some believe mashing a portion of the beans creates a creamier, more traditional texture, similar to an authentic Tuscan bean stew.

What kind of beans are best for Tuscan soup with beans and kale?

Cannellini beans are the traditional choice for Tuscan bean soup, and they are perfect for this Tuscan white bean soup recipe due to their creamy texture and mild flavor. However, other large white beans like Great Northern beans or even Borlotti beans can also work well, offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile to your Italian bean soup recipe.

Variations of Tuscan Bean Soup You Can Try

This hearty Tuscan bean stew is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to make this simple Tuscan bean soup your own!

Make it Vegan: This recipe is already vegetarian! To ensure it’s a fully vegan Tuscan bean soup, just confirm your vegetable broth is vegan and skip any optional meat additions. It’s still a wonderfully satisfying Tuscan soup with beans and kale.
Add Pasta or Grains: For an even heartier meal, consider adding small pasta shapes like ditalini or farro to the soup during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering. This transforms it into a more substantial Tuscan bread soup recipe.
Boost the Flavor: For a richer, more complex flavor profile in your authentic Tuscan bean soup, add a Parmesan rind to the pot while it simmers (remove before serving). A splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables also adds a lovely depth.
Spicier Version: If you love a bit of heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a more fiery Italian bean soup recipe.