Tuscan White Bean Soup

Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Made with tender white beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Italian herbs, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly night or a light, healthy option for lunch, this simple one-pot recipe comes together quickly and is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience! 🍲✨

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften.

1. Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Add beans and broth: Pour in the beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

3. Blend for a creamy texture (optional): If you want a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or transfer about half of the soup to a blender, blend, and return it to the pot.

4. Add greens: Stir in the kale or spinach, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the greens are tender.

1. Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving.
• To make the soup heartier, serve with crusty bread on the side.

Enjoy your Tuscan White Bean Soup!