Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of Italian cuisine in one pot. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a hearty meal. This soup combines creamy white beans, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach, making it a wholesome option that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether served as a main course or a starter, this Tuscan White Bean Soup will impress family and friends alike with its delightful taste and aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe involves simple steps and uses common ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
- Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs creates a depth of flavor that’s sure to please your palate.
- Versatile: Enjoy this soup as a main dish or pair it with crusty bread for dipping. It’s great for lunch or dinner!
- Hearty and Wholesome: Packed with proteins from beans and sausage, plus vitamins from fresh vegetables, this soup is both filling and nourishing.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Tools and Preparation
To create your delicious Tuscan White Bean Soup, having the right tools will streamline the process. Here are some essential tools you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and simmering; it holds heat well to enhance flavors.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pots; it helps mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Measuring cups: Ensures precise amounts of ingredients; vital for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a delicious one-pot dish with layers of flavors from Italian sausage, vegetables, herbs, and spices with creamy white beans and spinach. It’s a wholesome meal that you will love! And, it’s so good when reheated as the flavors all come together even more!
For the Soup Base
- 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)
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Broth and Beans
- 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
- 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
- Parsley (chopped for garnish)
How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
To a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat, and stir occasionally (about 10-15 minutes).
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Reduce heat to medium. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until onions have softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Incorporate Seasonings
Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Beans
Add chicken broth and beans. Bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 6-7 minutes or until the celery and carrots have softened.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Add heavy cream and spinach. Continue to cook until the spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve warm, garnished with parsley. Enjoy your delicious Tuscan White Bean Soup!
How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.
With Crusty Bread
- A slice of warm, crusty bread pairs perfectly with the soup, allowing you to soak up the delicious broth.
Topped with Parmesan
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added layer of flavor and richness.
With a Side Salad
- Serve the soup alongside a light salad made of mixed greens and vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible serving dish that’s sure to impress.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Add chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme on top for an aromatic touch and beautiful presentation.
With Olive Oil Drizzle
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving adds both flavor and elegance to the dish.
How to Perfect Tuscan White Bean Soup
Making Tuscan White Bean Soup is simple, but these tips can take it to the next level. Ensure your soup is as delicious as possible with these key pointers.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality broth make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Brown the Sausage Well: Properly browning the sausage adds depth and richness to your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Italian herbs as needed.
- Add Spinach Last: Adding spinach at the end keeps its vibrant color and nutrients intact.
- Let it Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a bit after cooking helps flavors meld beautifully.
- Freeze Leftovers: This soup freezes well, so save any extras for a quick meal later on.
Best Side Dishes for Tuscan White Bean Soup
Pairing side dishes with Tuscan White Bean Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread adds crunch and flavor, perfect for dipping into your soup.
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad brings brightness and creamy dressing that balances the hearty soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables provide additional texture and nutrition alongside the soup.
- Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil skewers offer a refreshing bite that pairs well with the soup’s richness.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – These savory bites filled with cheese and herbs make an excellent appetizer that complements your main dish.
- Cheesy Polenta – Creamy polenta topped with cheese serves as a comforting side that meshes beautifully with Tuscan flavors.
- Focaccia Bread – Soft focaccia topped with rosemary enhances each spoonful of your flavorful soup.
- Spinach Salad – A light spinach salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette brings freshness and balances out the hearty soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Tuscan White Bean Soup, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the sausage can lead to a less flavorful soup. Ensure you cook the sausage until browned for maximum taste.
- Ignoring vegetable size: Cutting vegetables too small or too large can affect cooking time and texture. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Overcooking spinach: Adding spinach too early can make it soggy. Stir it in last to keep its vibrant color and texture.
- Using low-quality broth: Poor quality broth can result in a bland soup. Use a good chicken broth for rich flavor that enhances the dish.
- Not seasoning adequately: Failing to season at each step may lead to a flat taste. Taste as you go and adjust spices accordingly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20-25 minutes until hot.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Tuscan White Bean Soup that might help you on your cooking journey.
Can I make Tuscan White Bean Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
How can I customize my Tuscan White Bean Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or incorporate different herbs for unique flavors.
Is Tuscan White Bean Soup healthy?
Absolutely! This soup is packed with protein from beans and vitamins from vegetables, making it a nutritious choice.
What do I serve with Tuscan White Bean Soup?
This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan White Bean Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try—it’s perfect for any occasion!
Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a soul-warming dish that beautifully captures the essence of Italian cuisine in just one pot. This hearty soup features creamy white beans, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach, creating a nutritious meal perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. The rich flavors meld together, making each spoonful a delight. Whether you serve it as a main course or an appetizer, this Tuscan White Bean Soup is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 3 ribs celery (diced)
- 2 large carrots (sliced)
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage for about 10-15 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots. Cook until the onion softens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Mix in tomato paste and seasonings: Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
- Add chicken broth and Great Northern beans; bring to a simmer for about 6-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and spinach; cook until the spinach wilts, around 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
