Tuscan White Bean Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a warm and hearty dish that is perfect for any meal. It is packed with flavors and offers a comforting feeling on chilly days.

This soup is easy to make and is full of healthy ingredients. Plus, it is a fantastic way to include more vegetables and protein in your diet. Whether you want a cozy dinner or a filling lunch, this soup is a great choice.

How To Make Tuscan White Bean Soup

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:

1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the sausage. Cook it until it is browned. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and stir it occasionally for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until the onions soften, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the beans. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Keep simmering for 6-7 minutes, or until the celery and carrots soften.
6. Add the heavy cream and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 5 minutes.
7. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes. It serves 4 people and each serving has about 350 calories, with a good amount of protein and healthy fats.

How To Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup

Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup warm in bowls. You can add some extra parsley on top for a bit of color and freshness. It goes well with crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side.

How To Store Tuscan White Bean Soup

To store the soup, let it cool down and then put it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips To Make Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Use fresh ingredients for better flavor.
• You can add more vegetables like zucchini or kale if you like.
• If you want it spicier, add more crushed red pepper.
• Make sure to stir the soup occasionally while it simmers to prevent burning.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a healthy option for your meals. It has protein from the sausage and beans, which can help keep you full. The vegetables add vitamins and minerals, making this soup a balanced dish. The spinach provides iron and fiber, which are good for digestion and energy. Overall, it is a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Variation

You can easily change this recipe. For a vegetarian version, just skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can also add different beans or grains like quinoa for more texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it early and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

2. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, it freezes well. Just thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to eat it.

3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, coconut milk, or omit the cream for a lighter soup.