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Tuscan Soup

Tuscan Soup

Tuscan Soup is a warm, hearty, and comforting rustic Italian soup featuring creamy cannellini beans, fresh leafy greens, aromatic herbs, and savory broth. This nourishing and versatile meal is perfect for cozy evenings and can be adapted with meat, extra veggies, or grains to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Broth

  • 2 cups cooked cannellini beans (or 1 can, rinsed and drained)
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cups kale or Swiss chard, chopped

Herbs and Seasoning

  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra virgin olive oil drizzle

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This builds the soup’s flavorful base.
  2. Add Beans and Broth: Stir in the rinsed cannellini beans and pour in 6 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Incorporate Herbs and Greens: Add fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs along with the chopped kale or Swiss chard. Continue to simmer for 7-10 minutes until the greens are tender but still vibrant in color.
  4. Season and Finish: Remove the herb sprigs. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Optionally, swirl in an additional splash of olive oil and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Use quality broth for best flavor—homemade or low-sodium is preferred.
  • Add leafy greens towards the end of cooking to preserve their color and texture.
  • If possible, soak and cook dried cannellini beans for a creamier, richer texture compared to canned.
  • Sauté aromatics slowly to unlock their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Finish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan soup, Italian soup, bean soup, kale soup, hearty soup, gluten-free soup, comfort food, easy recipe