Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a delightful and hearty meal that warms the soul. This one-pot dish combines the richness of Italian sausage with fresh vegetables and creamy white beans, creating a comforting bowl of goodness. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this soup showcases vibrant flavors and is even better the next day! You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how satisfying each spoonful feels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Tuscan White Bean Soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage, herbs, and creamy beans creates a deliciously layered flavor profile that bursts with every bite.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a starter; this soup fits any occasion from family dinners to holiday gatherings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and protein-rich beans, this soup is not just tasty but nourishing too.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything on hand will make cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution, ensuring all ingredients cook thoroughly while enhancing flavors.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, plus it allows you to break up the sausage easily.
Ingredients
Tuscan White Bean Soup features a blend of wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Soup 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)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Broth
- 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
- 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
For Creaminess and Garnish
- 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: Cook the Sausage
To a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the sausage. Cook until browned, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat. Stir occasionally for about 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Reduce heat to medium. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until onions have softened, about 3–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Beans
Pour in chicken broth and add the beans. Bring to a simmer. Continue simmering for 6–7 minutes until celery and carrots are tender.
Step 5: Incorporate Spinach and Cream
Stir in heavy cream and spinach. Continue cooking until spinach is wilted, approximately 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve warm in bowls garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your flavorful Tuscan White Bean Soup!
How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a simple bowl or an elaborate meal, there are many serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Enjoy the soup with a slice of crusty Italian bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the broth perfectly.
Topped with Parmesan Cheese
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for a rich and savory flavor boost.
Paired with a Fresh Salad
- A light green salad with vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness and adds freshness to your meal.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the flavors and adds a smooth finish to each bowl.
Accompanied by Garlic Bread
- Serve with garlic bread for a deliciously aromatic pairing that will delight your taste buds.
How to Perfect Tuscan White Bean Soup
To make your Tuscan White Bean Soup even better, consider these helpful tips. Each suggestion will help elevate the flavors and texture of this delightful dish.
- Use fresh herbs: Adding fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking brightens the soup and adds a burst of flavor.
- Adjust spice levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of crushed red pepper based on your heat preference.
- Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 30 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together even more.
- Experiment with beans: Try using different types of beans like cannellini or navy beans for variety in texture.
- Make it vegan: Substitute sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Freeze leftovers: This soup freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or future cozy dinners.
Best Side Dishes for Tuscan White Bean Soup
When enjoying Tuscan White Bean Soup, consider pairing it with these delicious side dishes. Each option complements the flavors while adding texture to your meal.
- Garlic Knots: Soft and chewy knots brushed with garlic butter make for an irresistible side.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized pairs beautifully with the soup.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese offers a comforting side that complements the soup’s heartiness.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes for a flavorful appetizer.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives provides variety and bold flavors alongside the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Tuscan White Bean Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.
- Using Low-Quality Sausage: The flavor of your soup greatly depends on the sausage you choose. Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for richer taste.
- Skipping the Sauté Step: Don’t rush. Sautéing the vegetables and sausage builds essential flavors. Take the time to soften them before adding broth.
- Overcooking Spinach: Add spinach towards the end of cooking. Overcooked spinach can lose its vibrant color and fresh taste.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning levels throughout cooking for a balanced flavor profile in your Tuscan White Bean Soup.
- Using Canned Beans Without Rinsing: Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and improves the overall taste of your soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Tuscan White Bean Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Simmer over low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Tuscan White Bean Soup that many home cooks have.
Can I make Tuscan White Bean Soup vegan?
Yes! Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What type of beans are best for this recipe?
Great Northern beans work wonderfully, but you can also use cannellini or navy beans based on your preference.
How long does it take to prepare Tuscan White Bean Soup?
The total preparation and cooking time is about 40-50 minutes, making it a quick yet satisfying meal option.
Can I customize my Tuscan White Bean Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or kale for added nutrition and flavor diversity.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This soup reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prepping ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan White Bean Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various vegetables or proteins based on your preference. It’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a warm, hearty meal. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Tuscan White Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of Italian sausage with creamy Great Northern beans and fresh vegetables. This hearty one-pot dish is perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. With its vibrant flavors, this soup only gets better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Easy to prepare in under an hour, it’s not just delicious but also nourishing, packed with protein and veggies. Whether served as a main course or starter, Tuscan White Bean Soup is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 3 ribs celery (diced)
- 2 large carrots (sliced)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the sausage for about 10–15 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Reduce heat to medium and add diced onions, celery, and sliced carrots; sauté until onions soften (3–5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and add beans; bring to a simmer for about 6–7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Mix in spinach and heavy cream; cook until spinach wilts (about 5 minutes).
- Serve warm garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
