Ingredients
Beans and Broth
- 3 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 1/2 – 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/3 cup white wine (Pinot Grigio recommended)
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed and finely chopped
Seasonings and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it begins to brown slightly, developing a rich base flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, diced celery, and chopped carrots. Continue to sauté for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and brown slightly, which enhances the flavor.
- Add White Wine: Pour in the white wine and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, approximately 5 minutes, to concentrate the flavors.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the drained cannellini beans, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried oregano, and start with 2 1/2 cups of broth. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Blend Soup: Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Transfer about 2 1/2 to 3 cups of the soup into a blender and blend until smooth to create a creamy texture.
- Combine Soup: Pour the blended mixture back into the pot and stir well to combine. If the soup is too thick, add additional broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Add Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and simmer for a few more minutes until the kale wilts and softens. Adjust salt, pepper, and add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm, optionally accompanied by a hearty bread. Enjoy your comforting Tuscan White Bean Soup!
Notes
- The range of broth (2 1/2 to 4 cups) allows you to control the soup’s thickness—start with less and add more as needed.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice added at the end enhances the soup’s brightness.
- Using a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes nicely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian