Tuscan White Bean Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting dish that warms the soul, you’ve found it! This Tuscan White Bean Soup is one of my absolute favorites. It’s easy to whip up in one pot, making cleanup a breeze—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s packed with protein and nutrients, thanks to the cannellini beans and kale. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a deliciously hearty soup that everyone will love.

What makes this soup even more special is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it as a light dinner or serve it as an elegant starter at your next dinner party. Just imagine dipping some rustic gluten-free bread into this rich, savory soup—heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup means more time with family and friends.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time; it stores well in the fridge or freezer!
• Packed with Flavor: A delightful blend of ingredients creates a comforting and hearty taste.
• Nutritious & Filling: Loaded with protein and fiber, this soup keeps you satisfied.
• Customizable: Adjust spices or add veggies to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be happy to see how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Each one adds its own unique flavor to the soup, making it rich and satisfying.

For the Soup

• 3 15-ounce cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 1 stalk celery (diced)
• 1/3 cup white grape juice
• 2 cups chopped kale (stems removed, finely chopped)
• 2 1/2 – 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (see notes)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (omit if you don’t like spice)
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Variations

This soup is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to make it your own:

• Add More Greens: Toss in some spinach or Swiss chard for even more nutrients.
• Change Up the Beans: Use navy beans or kidney beans if you want a different flavor profile.
• Herb It Up: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten up the soup just before serving.
• Add Grain: Including quinoa or brown rice makes for a heartier meal.

How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it begins to brown slightly. This step is crucial because browning the onions enhances their natural sweetness, laying a flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the onions are fragrant, toss in the minced garlic, diced celery, and chopped carrots. Keep sautéing for about ten minutes until everything softens and develops a lovely golden color. The combination of these vegetables brings depth to your soup.

Step 3: Deglaze with Grape Juice

Pour in the white grape juice, stirring well as you let most of the liquid evaporate—about five minutes should do it. This step adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the savory ingredients beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Now it’s time to add all remaining ingredients except for the kale. Remember to adjust your broth amount based on how thick you like your soup—starting with 2 1/2 cups is usually perfect! Stir everything together thoroughly so that all those delicious flavors mingle.

Step 5: Simmer Away

Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 6: Blend Half of It

After simmering, remove the bay leaves and transfer about 2 1/2 – 3 cups of the soup to a blender. Blend until smooth. This step gives your soup a creamy texture while still keeping chunks of veggies intact.

Step 7: Mix It Back In

Pour the blended portion back into the pot and stir well. If you find it’s too thick for your liking, just add more broth until it’s just right!

Step 8: Add Kale & Season

Finally, stir in the chopped kale and let everything simmer for another few minutes until wilted. Taste your creation—this is where you can adjust salt, pepper, or even squeeze in some lemon juice for brightness.

Step 9: Serve Warm

Ladle out your delicious Tuscan White Bean Soup into bowls and enjoy warm! It pairs wonderfully with hearty bread for dipping—perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips for Making Tuscan White Bean Soup

Making the perfect Tuscan white bean soup is a delightful experience, and these tips will ensure your dish is as flavorful as possible!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables bring vibrant flavors and textures to your soup. Whenever possible, opt for seasonal produce to enhance the taste.

• Adjust the broth amount: The consistency of your soup can greatly vary based on how thick you like it. Start with the recommended 2 1/2 cups of broth, but feel free to add more based on your preference.

• Blend for creaminess: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture without needing dairy. This method not only makes the soup heartier but also helps meld all those wonderful flavors together.

• Season gradually: Taste as you go! Adding salt, pepper, or acidity (like lemon juice) in increments allows you to adjust flavors perfectly to your liking.

• Let it simmer longer: If time allows, letting your soup simmer for longer can deepen the flavors even more. Just keep an eye on the liquid level and adjust as necessary!

How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup

Serving this hearty Tuscan white bean soup is all about presentation and pairing it with delicious accompaniments that enhance your meal. Here are some ideas!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the soup.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens up the dish and balances out the earthiness of the beans and vegetables.
• Crushed red pepper: For those who enjoy a kick, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top can add an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Rustic gluten-free bread: Perfect for dipping, this bread complements the soup’s hearty texture while soaking up every last drop of flavor.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers make a colorful side that enhances the meal’s overall nutrition and flavor profile.
• Quinoa or rice pilaf: A simple quinoa or rice dish seasoned with herbs can serve as a lovely base under your soup or enjoyed alongside it for added texture and nutrition.

Enjoy creating this comforting Tuscan white bean soup! It’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you’re looking to impress friends at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tuscan white bean soup is fantastic for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge and can easily be frozen for later enjoyment. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• It will keep in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
• Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Tuscan white bean soup:

Can I make Tuscan White Bean Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make this soup a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when ready to enjoy.

How long does Tuscan White Bean Soup last in the refrigerator?

Tuscan white bean soup stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. Just make sure it’s stored properly in an airtight container.

What can I serve with Tuscan White Bean Soup?

This delicious soup pairs wonderfully with crusty gluten-free bread, a fresh green salad, or even some roasted vegetables!

Can I customize my Tuscan White Bean Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Is there a way to thicken my Tuscan White Bean Soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back into the pot, or simply add more beans for extra texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Tuscan white bean soup as comforting and satisfying as I do! Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it special enough for any occasion. Enjoy making this recipe, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your own variations. Happy cooking!