Description
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that blends creamy white beans, smoky turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and vegetables in a rich and flavorful broth. This wholesome soup is perfect for cozy dinners, delivering plant-based protein and fiber with a satisfying yet light profile. Customizable and easy to prepare, it brings Tuscan-inspired warmth to any table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked or canned white beans (cannellini, great northern, or navy beans), drained and rinsed
- 4 slices smoky turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins and Variations
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural) (for vegetarian version)
- 1 cup chopped kale, spinach, or Swiss chard
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup cooked farro or barley
- Small splash of grape juice or apple cider vinegar (natural) for brightness
- Natural gelling agent (if needed for thickening)
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil (natural), for drizzling
- Toasted pine nuts
- Thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil (natural) in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 5 to 7 minutes, creating a savory foundation for the soup.
- Add turkey bacon and herbs: Add chopped smoky turkey bacon to the pot. Cook until slightly crisp, releasing its rich flavor. Then stir in chopped fresh rosemary and thyme to toast the herbs gently and awaken their aroma.
- Combine beans and broth: Add the drained and rinsed white beans, vegetable broth, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer and season: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Final touches: Before serving, optionally add a small splash of grape juice or apple cider vinegar (natural) to balance the richness and add subtle brightness.
Notes
- Cook beans separately if using dried beans to ensure perfect texture without mushiness.
- Take your time to soften onions and veggies to build deeper flavors.
- Use fresh rosemary and thyme to brighten the soup’s aroma and taste.
- Adjust vegetable broth quantity according to preferred soup consistency.
- For creamier soup texture, blend half the soup and stir it back in before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, white bean soup recipe, smoky bean soup, plant-based protein soup, cozy soup recipe, hearty bean soup
