Tuscan White Bean Soup is a delightful, hearty dish that brings the warmth of Italian cooking right to your table. This comforting soup combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with fresh vegetables and creamy white beans. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, it’s a dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul. Additionally, its flavors deepen when reheated, making it an excellent choice for leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from the sausage and beans, this soup is a satisfying meal on its own.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal cleanup, making Tuscan White Bean Soup is hassle-free.
- Flavorful Blend: The mix of spices and fresh ingredients creates a robust flavor profile that excites your taste buds.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven: Perfect for evenly cooking ingredients and simmering soups without losing heat.
- Wooden spoon: Gentle on cookware and ideal for stirring without scratching your pots.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for ingredients, which is key to great flavor.
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)
For Seasoning and Flavor
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Broth
- 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
For Creaminess
- 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
For Garnish
- 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 the Italian sausage. Cook until browned, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat while stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium. Add diced onions, celery, and sliced carrots. Cook until the onions have softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth and Beans
Add chicken broth and rinsed Great Northern beans to the pot. Bring everything to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 6-7 minutes until celery and carrots have softened.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cream
Add heavy whipping cream along with fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts; this should take about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Serve warm in bowls garnished with chopped parsley for added freshness.
Enjoy your homemade Tuscan White Bean Soup! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that complement the flavors of this hearty soup.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: Serve with slices of warm sourdough for a tangy contrast.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for an aromatic and buttery addition.
Topped with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over the soup for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Feta Crumbles: Add crumbled feta for a creamy, salty touch that balances the soup’s richness.
As a Main Dish
- Accompanied by Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad to add a refreshing crunch.
- With a Side of Pasta: Enjoy with simple pasta dressed in olive oil or butter as a filling meal.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil on top to brighten the dish.
- Fresh Thyme: Add thyme leaves for an aromatic finish that enhances the overall taste.
How to Perfect Tuscan White Bean Soup
To elevate your Tuscan White Bean Soup, consider these useful tips. They will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will provide better flavor than dried or canned options.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the amount of crushed red pepper based on your preferred spice level.
- Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld the flavors beautifully.
- Incorporate Different Beans: Experiment with different beans like cannellini or navy beans for variety in texture.
- Add Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the flavors just before serving.
- Blend for Creaminess: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in.
Best Side Dishes for Tuscan White Bean Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Tuscan White Bean Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender and caramelized.
- Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze and topped with basil.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, cheese, and herbs make for a hearty side.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil adds freshness.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, parsley, and lemon dressing enhances nutrition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Tuscan White Bean Soup can be simple, but there are some common mistakes to keep in mind to ensure it’s perfect every time.
- Using the wrong sausage: Choosing a spicy sausage can overpower the delicate flavors. Use mild Italian sausage for a balanced taste.
- Not sautéing vegetables properly: Skipping the step of sautéing onions, celery, and carrots can result in a bland base. Take your time to soften them for rich flavor.
- Overcooking the spinach: Adding spinach too early can make it mushy. Stir it in at the end to keep its vibrant color and texture.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each broth varies in saltiness. Always taste before serving and adjust seasonings as needed for optimal flavor.
- Rushing the simmering process: Simmering helps meld the flavors together. Don’t rush this step; allow at least 6-7 minutes for a richer soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in short bursts, stirring frequently until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring often until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and storing Tuscan White Bean Soup.
Can I make Tuscan White Bean Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
How can I customize Tuscan White Bean Soup?
Feel free to add additional vegetables like zucchini or kale. You can also adjust spices according to your preference.
What type of beans are best for Tuscan White Bean Soup?
Great Northern beans work well, but you can also use cannellini or navy beans for similar texture and flavor.
How do I thicken Tuscan White Bean Soup?
For a thicker consistency, mash some beans against the side of the pot or add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water while simmering.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan White Bean Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adapt it based on what you have at home. Give this delicious recipe a try—it’s perfect for cozy nights and sure to become a family favorite!
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. This one-pot wonder combines rich Italian sausage, tender vegetables, creamy white beans, and fresh spinach, creating a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also gets better with time as the flavors deepen when reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 ribs celery
- 2 large carrots
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans Great Northern beans
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage for about 10-15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium, add diced onions, celery, and carrots; sauté until soft (about 3-5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic.
- Mix in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
- Add chicken broth and rinsed beans; bring to a simmer for 6-7 minutes.
- Finish by stirring in heavy cream and spinach until wilted (around 5 minutes).
- Serve warm garnished with chopped parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
