Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup, a delicious blend of flavors inspired by Tuscan cuisine. This comforting dish features creamy cannellini beans, vibrant spinach, and aromatic herbs, making it a nutritious choice for chilly days. Easy to prepare, it offers protein, fiber, and essential nutrients while being both hearty and satisfying. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a wholesome meal that warms both body and soul.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown.

Introduce the Beans and Tomatoes: Add the drained cannellini beans and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, allowing the tomatoes to incorporate into the aromatic vegetable mix.

Add the Liquid: Pour in the vegetable broth, increasing the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, which will help the flavors meld together beautifully.

Season the Soup: Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning according to your preference for heat and flavor.

Incorporate the Spinach and Creaminess: Add the roughly chopped spinach and the coconut milk (or heavy cream) to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, and let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the soup develops a creamy consistency.

Blend for Extra Creaminess (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the pot until slightly smooth, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.

Serve: Ladle the creamy soup into serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and delight in the comforting, flavorful experience of this Tuscan-inspired dish!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, drizzle a little extra coconut milk or a swirl of heavy cream on top before serving. Serve with crusty bread alongside for dipping, enhancing the overall meal experience.