Tuscan White Bean Soup: A Taste of Rustic Italy

Discover the Hearty Comfort of Traditional Zuppa di Fagioli

Tuscan white bean soup, or zuppa di fagioli, blends beans, vegetables, and olive oil into a comforting dish. This creamy version maintains its healthful essence, perfect for savoring with crusty bread on cold days.

Hearty Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup – Easy Vegetarian Soup Recipe with Healthy Ingredients

DifficultyEasy

Servings6

Prep time10 minutes

Cook time30 minutes

Total time40 minutes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Soup:

• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, (optional)

Instructions:

• 1

  Sauté the Vegetables:

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent.
• 2

  Add Seasonings:

  • Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
• 3

  Add the Broth and Beans:

  • Pour in the vegetable broth and add the white beans. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• 4

  Blend Some of the Soup:

  • Using an immersion blender, blend about half of the soup directly in the pot to create a creamy texture, while leaving some beans whole for added texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
• 5

  Finish the Soup:

  • Stir in the chopped spinach, milk or cream, and Parmesan cheese if using. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
• 6

  Serve:

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.

Equipment

• Large pot
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Recipe Notes and Variations:

• Substitutions:
  • For a vegan version, use coconut milk or a plant-based milk alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese.
  • Feel free to swap spinach for kale or other leafy greens.
  • For a heartier soup, add potatoes or additional vegetables like zucchini.

• Pro Tips:
  • Blend the soup partially for a creamy texture without sacrificing the beans’ hearty consistency.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, add a bit more cream or milk.
  • For extra flavor, sauté the garlic and onions in butter instead of olive oil.

• Storage & Reheating Instructions:
  • Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Nutrition

Calories	280
Carbohydrates	35g
Cholesterol	15mg
Fat	12g
Fiber	10g
Protein	13g
Saturated Fat	4g
Sodium	740mg
Sugar	3g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	7g

History, Evolution, and Inspiration

Tuscan white bean soup, also known as zuppa di fagioli, is a traditional Italian dish that embodies the rustic and simple flavors of Tuscany. Known for its hearty and healthy ingredients, it often includes beans, vegetables, and a touch of olive oil. The soup’s comforting flavors have made it a beloved winter dish in Italy and beyond, where it is enjoyed as a meal on its own or alongside crusty bread. This creamy white bean soup version adds richness without sacrificing its healthy roots, making it perfect for any occasion.

The Art of Cooking Parts of the Recipe

The beauty of this soup lies in its ability to blend creamy textures with hearty beans. By partially blending the soup, you get a rich, velvety base while maintaining the chunky texture of the beans and vegetables. The combination of herbs like rosemary and thyme adds depth to the broth, creating a savory base that perfectly complements the beans’ natural flavor.

Interesting Things About the Recipe

What sets this creamy Tuscan white bean soup apart is its simplicity. It’s a quick soup recipe, taking only about 40 minutes to prepare, but it feels like it’s been simmering for hours. The spinach adds a burst of color and nutrition, while the Parmesan cheese (optional) provides a savory finish that elevates the soup’s richness.

Overview of the Parts of the Recipe

This recipe features a combination of sautéed vegetables, white beans, and vegetable broth that forms the soup base. The spinach adds freshness, and the addition of milk or cream creates the creamy texture. The Parmesan cheese gives the soup an extra layer of flavor and richness.

What Occasions It’s Good For

This Tuscan white bean soup is perfect for any cozy winter evening or a family dinner. It makes for an excellent vegetarian meal or a starter to a larger Italian meal. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or hosting a casual dinner party, this healthy soup recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why It’s the Perfect Recipe

This creamy white bean soup is the perfect balance of hearty and healthy. It’s a quick soup recipe that’s satisfying and packed with nutrients. The creamy texture, combined with the savory beans and vegetables, creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for cold weather. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences.

Ready to cook? Gather your ingredients and enjoy a cozy bowl of this delicious soup!