🍲 Tuscan White Bean Soup (Mediterranean Winter Comfort)

A rustic, nourishing soup inspired by the countryside of Tuscany in Italy. This Tuscan White Bean Soup is hearty, herb-filled, and deeply satisfying — perfect for cold winter days when you want something wholesome and comforting.

Simple ingredients. Big flavor. True Mediterranean warmth.

🌿 Description

Creamy white beans simmer with garlic, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and fragrant herbs in a rich vegetable broth. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fresh rosemary gives this soup its signature Tuscan character.

It’s:

✔ High in plant-based protein
✔ Rich in fiber
✔ Naturally gluten-free
✔ Budget-friendly & meal-prep friendly

This is the kind of soup that tastes even better the next day.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or navy), drained & rinsed
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 small sprig fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
1 bay leaf
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 cup chopped kale or spinach (optional but recommended)
Juice of ½ lemon

Optional toppings:

Fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan
Red pepper flakes
Crusty whole-grain bread

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

2️⃣ Simmer

Add white beans, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes.

3️⃣ Add Greens

Stir in kale or spinach and cook 3–5 minutes until wilted.

4️⃣ Finish

Remove bay leaf and rosemary stem.
Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

For a creamier texture, blend 1–2 cups of the soup and stir back in.

🍽 Serving Ideas

Serve with toasted sourdough brushed with olive oil
Add a drizzle of chili oil for heat
Pair with a simple arugula salad
Top with shaved Parmesan for richness

🌱 Nutritional Benefits

White beans – Excellent source of plant protein & fiber
Olive oil – Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
Herbs – Anti-inflammatory properties
Leafy greens – Iron, vitamins A & C

Warm, filling, and balanced — exactly what Mediterranean winter cooking is about.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes! Soak overnight and cook until tender before adding.

Q2: How long does it last?

Up to 4–5 days refrigerated. Flavors improve over time.

Q3: Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Freeze up to 3 months in airtight containers.

Q4: How do I make it vegetarian or vegan?

It already is — just skip Parmesan or use a plant-based version.

Q5: Can I add protein?

Yes — shredded chicken or turkey can be added, though traditional Tuscan versions keep it plant-based.