When the chill of fall sets in or when comfort is all you seek, a warm bowl of Tuscan white bean soup can feel like a hug in a bowl. This hearty dish brings together Italian sausage and a melody of fresh vegetables, creating a delightful symphony of flavors that warms the soul. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering with friends, this soup is quick to prepare yet packed with ingredients that invite hearty conversation around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is not just nourishing; it’s also incredibly easy to make and budget-friendly, making it a go-to recipe for families and busy professionals alike. The blend of protein from the Italian sausage and fiber from the white beans offers a filling meal without breaking the bank. Plus, the addition of fresh spinach gives it a vibrant pop of color and nutrients.
"This Tuscan white bean soup is now a family favorite! It’s simple, delicious, and always hits the spot!"
How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward process. You’ll sauté your veggies and sausage, stir in some flavorful broth and beans, and let it simmer until everything melds beautifully. In just a matter of minutes, you’ll have a pot full of hearty, comforting goodness. Here’s a glance at the ingredients you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- Olive oil for cooking
Substitution Tips: Feel free to swap in turkey sausage for a leaner option, or use canned chickpeas in place of white beans for a different twist.
Directions
- In a large pot, drizzle olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up, and cook until it’s browned.
- Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these together until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and mix in the rinsed white beans along with the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring your soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup.
- Taste the soup for seasoning and adjust if needed before ladling it into bowls. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is versatile and can shine on its own, but pair it with a crunchy side salad for a balanced meal or enjoy it alongside crusty bread for dipping. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan can elevate the flavors even further, while a dash of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick for those who like their soup a bit spicier.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze your soup in freezer-friendly containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro Tips
- For enhanced flavor, consider browning the sausage until it’s well-caramelized.
- Make it a meal-prep favorite by doubling the recipe and freezing individual servings.
- To save time, chop your vegetables ahead of time or use pre-diced options to streamline the cooking process.
Variations
Get creative with your soup! Try adding kale instead of spinach for a heartier texture, or mix in some diced tomatoes for a refreshing twist. If you desire a vegetarian option, simply omit the Italian sausage and add more beans or some diced potatoes. Adjust the herbs, too – adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end can brighten up the flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and the flavors often deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or making ahead of time.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them beforehand to ensure they’re tender. Generally, 1 cup of dried beans will yield about 2.5 cups cooked.
How can I make it gluten-free?
This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your chicken or vegetable broth does not contain gluten ingredients.
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Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty Tuscan white bean soup with Italian sausage and fresh vegetables, perfect for comfort during colder months.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large pot, drizzle olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up, and cook until it’s browned.
- Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these together until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and mix in the rinsed white beans along with the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring your soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup.
- Taste the soup for seasoning and adjust if needed before ladling it into bowls. Serve hot.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, brown the sausage well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg