Cozy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe: Soul-Warming Magic

Hearty and comforting, this authentic Tuscan white bean soup delivers a warm embrace of Italian countryside flavors.

Rich with creamy cannellini beans simmered in a robust broth, the recipe captures the essence of traditional Tuscan cooking.

Aromatic herbs and tender vegetables dance together, creating a symphony of rustic taste.

Generations of Italian families have cherished this simple yet deeply satisfying dish.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with Mediterranean charm, the soup promises a delightful culinary journey.

Each spoonful transports you to the rolling hills of Tuscany, where simple ingredients become extraordinary.

Dive into this soul-warming recipe and savor the magic of classic Italian comfort food.

What Makes Tuscan White Bean Soup Worth Trying

• This soup packs a punch with browned sausage and rich tomato paste, creating deep, complex taste layers that make every spoonful exciting.
• Incredibly flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients like sausage type, beans, or greens, making it perfect for using what's already in your kitchen.
• Hearty and creamy texture provides ultimate comfort food experience, warming you from the inside out with its satisfying blend of protein, vegetables, and smooth cream.
• Loaded with protein from sausage, fiber from beans, and vitamins from spinach and vegetables, delivering a balanced meal in one delicious pot.

Everything Inside Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Beef Sausage: Provides a rich, meaty flavor and adds depth to the soup's base.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a savory liquid foundation for the soup's overall taste.

• Onions, Celery, Carrots: Form a classic mirepoix that builds a robust flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds a sharp, aromatic element to enhance the soup's taste.
• Great Northern Beans: Offer a creamy texture and boost the protein and fiber content.
• Baby Spinach: Introduces a fresh, green element and nutritional value to the soup.

• Tomato Paste: Deepens the soup's color and provides a concentrated tomato flavor.
• Italian Seasoning, Crushed Red Pepper, Black Pepper: Create a complex and slightly spicy flavor profile.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, luxurious texture.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh garnish and bright color to the finished dish.

How To Make Tuscan White Bean Soup Step By Step

Step 1: Sizzle The Sausage

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high temperature.

Toss in the beef sausage and break it apart using a wooden spoon.

Keep stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.

The sausage will release delicious caramelized bits that add incredible depth to your soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium.

• Diced onions
• Chopped celery
• Sliced carrots

Stir and cook until onions become soft and translucent.

Toss in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, avoiding burning.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper
• Black pepper

Allow tomato paste to cook for a minute, intensifying its rich flavor and creating a beautiful color base.

Step 4: Create Liquid Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and add Great Northern beans that have been drained and rinsed.

Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook until vegetables become tender, approximately 6-7 minutes.

Step 5: Enrich And Soften

Reduce heat to low.

• Heavy whipping cream
• Baby spinach

Continue stirring until spinach wilts and cream blends seamlessly.

Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Ladle soup into warm bowls.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant finish.

Accompany with crusty bread for ultimate comfort and enjoyment.

Helpful Tips For Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Brown the sausage thoroughly to develop a deep, rich taste that infuses the entire soup with incredible depth.
• Add garlic last and cook just until fragrant to avoid bitter, acrid flavors that can ruin the soup's delicate balance.
• Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and perfect texture throughout the soup.
• Add cream and spinach at the end of cooking to maintain their fresh flavor and prevent separation or curdling.
• Let the tomato paste cook briefly to caramelize and intensify its natural sweetness, creating a more complex flavor profile.

Storing And Reheating Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing, as it can separate when thawed.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and reaches 165°F for food safety.

What To Eat With Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Grab a glass of Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the hearty sausage and rich flavors of the Tuscan white bean soup. These Italian wines match perfectly with the rustic, savory profile of the dish.
• Serve Crusty Sourdough Bread: Toast thick slices of sourdough bread and drizzle with olive oil to create the ultimate dipping companion. The tangy bread provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy, smooth soup.
• Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese Garnish: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano adds a salty, nutty dimension that elevates the soup's complexity. Generously shower the cheese over each bowl to enhance the overall taste experience.
• Add Crisp Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan. This fresh accompaniment cuts through the soup's richness and provides a bright, zesty balance.

Fun Twists On Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Vegetarian Bean Delight: Replace beef sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely meat-free version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Swap Italian seasoning for individual herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil. Verify broth and sausage have no gluten-containing additives.
• Low-Carb Protein Powerhouse: Substitute beans with cauliflower florets for reduced carbohydrates. Add extra protein through diced chicken or additional sausage. Use heavy cream sparingly or replace with coconut cream for dairy-sensitive individuals.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh rosemary and sage into the base. Replace baby spinach with chopped kale or Swiss chard. Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top for authentic Mediterranean flair.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute beef sausage with Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to brown it well before adding other ingredients.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! The soup is packed with protein from the sausage and beans, plus vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery provide essential nutrients and fiber. The recipe offers a balanced, nutritious meal.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and follow the same cooking method.

• How can I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot while cooking or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water to help thicken the broth.

Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Tuscan white bean soup celebrates rustic Italian countryside flavors with creamy cannellini beans and robust herbs. Savory warmth welcomes you to a comforting bowl of Mediterranean culinary tradition, perfect for chilly evenings when simple ingredients create extraordinary comfort.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound beef sausage

Vegetables:

• 1 large yellow onion, diced (around 1 1/2 cups)
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 2 large carrots, cut into rounds
• 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
• 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup (119 grams) heavy whipping cream

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven, sear beef sausage over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces, ensuring even browning and developing deep flavor caramelization.
2. Reduce heat to medium and introduce diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing aromatic notes without burning.
3. Incorporate tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Allow tomato paste to caramelize for approximately one minute, intensifying its rich color and depth of flavor.
4. Pour chicken broth and add drained Great Northern beans. Stir thoroughly and bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 6-7 minutes, allowing vegetables to reach desired tenderness.
5. Lower heat and blend in heavy whipping cream. Gently fold baby spinach into the soup, stirring until leaves wilt completely and cream integrates smoothly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Carefully ladle soup into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch. Accompany with warm crusty bread for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Choose high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavor, preferring lean varieties to reduce excess grease in the soup.
• Dice vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and texture, ensuring they soften evenly without becoming mushy.
• Thoroughly rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and starch, which helps maintain the soup’s clean, fresh taste.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that still provide creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 383
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1056 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 72 mg