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Tuscan White Bean Soup 1

Tuscan White Bean Soup

This hearty, rustic soup combines the creamy texture of cannellini beans with aromatic herbs and vegetables, creating a nutritional powerhouse that's as satisfying as it is simple. Our Tuscan White Bean Soup recipe strikes the perfect balance between authentic Italian flavors and modern convenience.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Italian, Tuscan
Servings 6 servings
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot
  • Immersion blender or food processor

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced

Herbs and Spices

  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 bay leaf

Main Ingredients

  • 3 15 oz cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 Parmesan rind optional, omit for vegan version
  • 1 bunch Tuscan kale about 4 cups, stems removed and chopped

Finishing Touches

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt, then sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned.
  • Add the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir continuously for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add two cans of the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, vegetable broth, Parmesan rind (if using), and bay leaf.
  • Take the remaining can of beans and blend until smooth using an immersion blender or food processor, then add to the pot.
  • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Stir in the chopped kale and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the kale is wilted but still bright green.
  • Remove from heat and discard the bay leaf and Parmesan rind. Stir in the lemon juice.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a creamier texture, blend half the beans before adding to the soup.
This soup stores exceptionally well, actually improving in flavor after a day in the refrigerator as the ingredients continue to meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For freezing, cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 15gFat: 7gSodium: 390mgPotassium: 720mgFiber: 11gVitamin A: 184IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 4.5mg
Keyword White Bean Soup, Tuscan Soup, Bean Soup, Italian Soup, Vegetarian Soup
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