Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

why make this recipe

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that warms you up on a cold day. It combines mild Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy beans for a meal that is not only tasty but also nutritious. This soup is easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of Tuscany without needing to travel there!

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. To a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned, about 10-15 minutes. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and stir occasionally.
2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until the onions have softened, 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. Mix well.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 6-7 minutes, until the celery and carrots are tender.
6. Add the heavy cream and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
7. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.

how to serve Tuscan White Bean Soup

You can serve Tuscan White Bean Soup in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad. Enjoy it as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or serve it as an appetizer at a gathering.

how to store Tuscan White Bean Soup

To store leftover Tuscan White Bean Soup, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. The soup will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

tips to make Tuscan White Bean Soup

• For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the broth.
• Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper to suit your taste.
• Use homemade chicken broth for an even richer flavor.
• Add other vegetables like kale or zucchini for extra nutrition.

variation

You can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead. Add more beans or lentils for protein and bulk.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of beans?
A: Yes, you can substitute Great Northern beans with other types, like cannellini beans or navy beans.

Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you check that your sausage and broth are gluten-free, this soup can be a gluten-free option.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can brown the sausage and vegetables in a pan first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

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