Tuscan White Bean Soup is a delicious and heartwarming dish that brings comfort and nourishment to your table. This soup is packed with flavor and has a great combination of healthy ingredients. It features mild Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy white beans, making it a complete meal in a bowl. Whether you are looking for a cozy dish for a cold day or a simple weeknight dinner, Tuscan White Bean Soup fits the bill perfectly.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Tuscan White Bean Soup. First, it is a healthy choice. The soup is loaded with vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots, which provide essential vitamins and minerals. Great Northern beans add a hearty texture and are a good source of protein and fiber.
Second, this soup is straightforward to prepare. You don’t need fancy cooking skills to make it, and it only takes about 30-40 minutes to cook from start to finish. This makes it ideal for busy days when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Lastly, the flavor is simply incredible. The combination of sausage, garlic, and Italian spices creates a warm and satisfying taste that makes you feel at home. Each bowl of this soup is rich and creamy, thanks to the addition of heavy whipping cream and fresh spinach. This can easily become a family favorite.
How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup
Creating Tuscan White Bean Soup is a fun and enjoyable process. Below, I will guide you through the steps and share all the ingredients you need.
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
- 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions
Brown the Sausage: Start by taking a large Dutch oven and place it on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the mild Italian sausage to the pot. Cook the sausage until it is browned, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. As the sausage cooks, use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into smaller pieces. Stir it occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add the Vegetables: Once the sausage is nicely browned, reduce the heat to medium. Now, add the diced onions, chopped celery, and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook these vegetables for about 3-5 minutes or until the onions become soft and translucent. After that, add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute. This will release the strong aroma of garlic.
Mix in Seasonings: Next, it’s time to add some flavor. Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine the spices with the sausage and vegetables.
Pour in the Broth and Beans: Now, add the chicken broth and drained Great Northern beans to the pot. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 6-7 minutes, or until the celery and carrots are soft and tender.
Add Cream and Spinach: The final steps are to make the soup creamy and add greens. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and toss in the fresh baby spinach. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes or until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
Serve: Once everything is cooked, serve the soup warm in bowls. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness and color.
How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is perfect on its own as a hearty meal. However, you can also serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete dining experience. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the soup.
For an extra touch, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil on top of the soup before serving. This will enhance the flavors and provide an appealing presentation.
How to Store Tuscan White Bean Soup
Storing Tuscan White Bean Soup is easy. If you have any leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for about 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for the soup to expand as it freezes. It can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you are ready to eat it, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop.
Tips to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Tuscan White Bean Soup turns out great:
Use Quality Sausage: The type of Italian sausage you choose can greatly influence the flavor of your soup. Opt for mild or spicy sausage based on your preference.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you like your soup with a kick, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables and spices for better taste and nutrition.
Cooking Variations: You can throw in other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on what you have available. They will also enhance the flavor and texture.
Serving Size: Consider serving this soup as an appetizer for a large gathering or dinner party. You can offer smaller portions for guests to enjoy before the main course.
Variation
While this recipe is delicious as is, you can make a few variations to switch things up:
Vegetarian Option: Replace the Italian sausage with a meat substitute, like lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
Different Beans: If you cannot find Great Northern beans, you can use other types like cannellini or navy beans. Each will provide its unique texture and flavor.
Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or basil, to give the soup your own twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! Tuscan White Bean Soup can be made a day ahead. Just follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove before serving.
2. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans are great for convenience. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to your soup.
3. How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the white beans with a fork or an immersion blender. This will give the soup a creamier texture without adding extra calories.
4. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, kale, or even potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
5. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure that the chicken broth and any sausage you use are labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this soup without any gluten concerns.
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a wonderful dish that warms your heart and nourishes your body. Give this easy recipe a try, and you’ll soon enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness any day of the week!
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Start by taking a large Dutch oven and place it on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the mild Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until browned, about 10-15 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Once the sausage is browned, reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onions, chopped celery, and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper, combining well.
- Add the chicken broth and drained Great Northern beans to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Simmer for about 6-7 minutes, until celery and carrots are tender.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and toss in the fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until the spinach wilts.
- Serve warm in bowls, topped with chopped parsley.