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Cozy Tuscan White Bean Soup

Cozy Tuscan White Bean Soup - featured image

A warm, rustic Tuscan white bean soup simmered with fresh herbs and served with crispy bread, perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (about 540g) canned white beans or cooked dried white beans (preferably cannellini)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth, low sodium
  • 23 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 23 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Crusty bread (baguette or ciabatta), sliced and toasted or grilled with olive oil and garlic
  • Optional garnishes: grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, drizzle of balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. Pluck rosemary and thyme sprigs. Rinse and drain the white beans.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 7-8 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot and stir to release their aroma.
  5. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add the white beans and let simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until beans are tender and broth thickens slightly. Add water or broth if too thick.
  7. Remove herb sprigs and bay leaf. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally add red pepper flakes for heat.
  8. While soup simmers, slice crusty bread, brush with olive oil, and toast or grill until golden and crispy. Rub with garlic clove if desired.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with parsley or Parmesan if using. Serve with crispy bread for dipping.

Notes

Use quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor. Fresh herbs are preferred but dried can be used at one-third the amount. Don’t rush the simmering process to avoid mushy beans. Toast the bread with garlic and olive oil for extra flavor. Adjust seasoning gradually and taste often. For vegan option, skip Parmesan or use plant-based alternatives. Soup can be stored in fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, cozy soup, rustic soup, white beans, Italian soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, herb soup, crispy bread