Tuscan White Bean Soup
Cozy Up with Tuscan White Bean Soup: A Taste of Italy
Looking for a hearty, healthy, and flavorful soup to warm you up? Look no further than this Tuscan White Bean Soup! Inspired by the rustic flavors of Italy, this soup is incredibly easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch. It’s a beautiful blend of simple ingredients that come together to create a truly satisfying meal.
This isn’t just any white bean soup; it’s a celebration of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. The combination of leeks, carrots, and celery creates a flavorful base, while the cannellini beans add a creamy texture and protein boost. A touch of red pepper flakes provides a gentle warmth, and a squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up.
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep time and straightforward instructions make this soup a breeze to whip up.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins from the beans and vegetables.
- Flavorful & Comforting: The perfect balance of savory, herbaceous, and slightly spicy flavors.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a starter, a light lunch, or a hearty dinner.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Tips for the Best Tuscan White Bean Soup:
- Use good quality olive oil: It really makes a difference in the flavor.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: It brightens up the soup and adds a lovely freshness.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking: If you prefer a milder soup, use less.
- For a creamier soup: You can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or rosemary adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried cannellini beans instead of canned?
A: Yes, absolutely! You’ll need to soak and cook them first. About 1 1/2 cups of dried beans will yield approximately 3 cups cooked, which is what this recipe calls for.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
A: Definitely! Spinach, kale, or diced tomatoes would all be great additions.
Q: Is this soup vegetarian/vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, it freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing for up to 3 months.
Q: What does Tuscan style mean in cooking?
A: Tuscan cooking emphasizes fresh, simple ingredients and rustic flavors. It often features olive oil, beans, vegetables, and herbs like rosemary and sage. It’s all about letting the quality of the ingredients shine through.
Enjoy this delightful Tuscan White Bean Soup – a taste of Italy in every spoonful!
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 small leek sliced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 medium zucchini diced
- 2 cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, leek, and carrots and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add cannellini beans and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in lemon juice before serving.
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