When the chilly winds start to whistle outside, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a comforting bowl of Tuscan White Bean Soup. This hearty dish is filled with rich flavors and creamy textures that linger on your palate, making it a family favorite that’s as easy to create as it is to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavors: The combination of Italian sausage and spices creates a deep, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with beans, veggies, and protein, this soup is not just a starter but a satisfying meal on its own.
- Simple to Prepare: It’s a one-pot wonder that requires minimal effort and maximizes flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this soup fits the bill beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Tuscan White Bean Soup lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you’re on your way to a deliciously warming meal. Each component brings something unique, enhancing the overall flavor profile of this delightful dish.
- Mild Italian Sausage: Adds a robust flavor and heartiness to the soup, ensuring it’s both filling and flavorful.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the savory elements of the dish.
- Celery and Carrots: Offer a delightful crunch and natural sweetness that complement the beans perfectly.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with aromatic richness, enhancing every bite.
- Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor that rounds out the soup’s taste.
- Italian Seasoning: A harmonious blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Crushed Red Pepper: Lends a slight kick, perfect for those who like a bit of heat.
- Chicken Broth: The flavorful base that carries all other ingredients into a cohesive and delicious soup.
- Great Northern Beans: Provide protein and creaminess, crucial for that authentic Tuscan texture.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and color, as well as a hint of earthiness.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For that luxurious creaminess, rounding out the flavors and giving the soup a velvety finish.
- Parsley: A fresh garnish that gives a pop of color and flavor to your final dish.
Variations
This Tuscan White Bean Soup is as versatile as it is delicious. Feel free to mix things up and customize it according to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular variations to try.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and use veggie broth to make it a plant-based delight.
- Add Some Grains: Incorporate cooked farro or barley for added texture and heartiness.
- Spice it Up: Increase the crushed red pepper for a more fiery experience.
How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
To start your Tuscan White Bean Soup, grab a large Dutch oven and place it over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until it’s beautifully browned. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as you go, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-15 minutes, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful base.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium and toss in your onions, celery, and carrots. You’ll cook these for about 3-5 minutes until the onions have softened, releasing a wonderful aroma. Follow up with garlic, cooking for just one more minute—just enough time to release its fragrances without burning.
Step 3: Introduce the Flavors
Next, add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine, allowing the spices and flavors to mingle with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and add the beans. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 6-7 minutes until the celery and carrots have softened and all the flavors have married beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach
In the final moments, add the heavy cream and spinach. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes more, letting the spinach wilt gently and the cream meld, resulting in a luscious finish. Your Tuscan White Bean Soup is now ready to serve, topped with fresh parsley!
Pro Tips for Making Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Timing the Sauté: Ensure the sausage is fully browned—this adds depth of flavor that forms the soup’s foundation.
- Balancing the Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust the spices, especially if you decide to add more heat with additional red pepper flakes.
- Creamy Consistency: Allow the heavy cream time to blend so that you achieve the desired creaminess without over thickening.
- Perfect Beans: Use canned beans to save time, but ensure they are fully drained and rinsed to avoid excess saltiness.
How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup
Garnishes
For an extra touch of brightness, top your soup with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. These garnishes add texture and a hint of freshness that completes the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
A crusty loaf of bread or a hearty focaccia pairs wonderfully with the soup, allowing you to soak up every last drop. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the soup’s creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the soup in rustic earthenware bowls for an authentic Italian feel. If hosting, ladle the soup into individual serving cups for an elegant appetizer at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tuscan White Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Simply pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat your soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
FAQs
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Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply eliminate the sausage and substitute chicken broth with a good quality vegetable broth for a satisfying vegetarian version.
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What beans are best for this soup?
Great Northern Beans work wonderfully for this soup, providing a creamy texture, but cannellini beans are a great alternative if preferred.
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Is it okay to use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
Fresh tomatoes can be used, but they will slightly alter the consistency and flavor. For the best results, stick with tomato paste, which provides a concentrated flavor.
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How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a different spice level, adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your liking. Start with less and add more to taste if desired.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a bowl of Tuscan White Bean Soup to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family, and I can’t wait for you to experience the delicious harmony of flavors for yourself. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A hearty and comforting Tuscan White Bean Soup featuring Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, creamy broth, and spinach, perfect for a warming meal.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
Condiments & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Broth & Beans
- 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
- 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
Greens & Dairy
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
Garnish
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it’s evenly browned and cooked through.
- Sauté vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until the onions soften and become translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper, stirring well to combine.
- Add broth and beans: Pour in chicken broth and add drained beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer for 6-7 minutes, or until the carrots and celery are tender.
- Add dairy and greens: Stir in heavy cream and fresh spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts, about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free option, omit heavy cream and replace with coconut milk or omit entirely.
- Use a spoon to break up the sausage while cooking for a more uniform texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350 ml)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
