Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

This Tuscan white bean soup is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for those cold winter nights. It's packed with flavors coming from the pancetta and rosemary, and the cannellini beans add a creamy texture. This soup is easy to make and will sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Photos of Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe should be easily found in your local supermarket. However, you may need to look a little harder for the pancetta and the cannellini beans. Pancetta is Italian bacon, it's typically found in the deli section. If you can't find it, you can use regular bacon instead. Cannellini beans are a type of white beans, they can usually be found in the canned beans section.

Ingredients for Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

Pancetta: This is an Italian variety of bacon, it's used to give the soup a rich, meaty flavor.

White onion: Onions add a sweet and tangy flavor to the soup.

Garlic cloves: Garlic adds a kick of flavor and helps bring out the other flavors in the soup.

Chicken stock: This is the base of the soup. It's what gives the soup its savory, hearty flavor.

Cannellini beans: These are a type of white beans. They're creamy and hold up well in the soup.

Bay leaf: Bay leaves add a slight bitterness and a depth of flavor to the soup.

Rosemary sprig: Rosemary adds a fragrant, woodsy flavor to the soup.

Salt and black pepper: Used for seasoning.

Parmesan cheese: It's used as a finishing touch, it adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the soup.

Italian bread: It's used for serving, it's perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the delicious flavors.

One reader, Bradford Mackey says:

This Tuscan white bean soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the aroma is simply divine. The combination of pancetta, rosemary, and garlic creates a symphony of taste. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Bradford Mackey

Techniques Required for Making Tuscan White Bean Soup

How to cook pancetta: Cook the pancetta in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until crispy, stirring occasionally. Transfer the cooked pancetta to a separate plate using a slotted spoon, then reserve about 3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the stockpot.

How to sauté onion and garlic: Add the onion to the reserved bacon grease and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Then add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally.

How to simmer the soup: After adding the chicken stock, beans, bay leaf, rosemary, and half of the cooked pancetta to the stockpot, stir to combine. Continue cooking the soup until it reaches a simmer. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover partially, and let the soup simmer for 10 to 20 minutes.

How to season the soup: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and rosemary before serving.

How to serve the soup: Top the soup with the extra pancetta and garnish with parmesan cheese. Serve with Italian bread and enjoy!

How To Make Tuscan White Bean Soup

Keep warm on those cold winter nights with a bowl of this scrumptious white bean soup! Cook up a pot of this flavorful soup in just under an hour.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4ozpancetta,or bacon, finely diced
1small white onion,peeled and minced
5garlic cloves,peeled and minced
8cupschicken stock,good-quality
4ozcannellini beans,rinsed and drained
1bay leaf
1large fresh rosemary sprig
salt and freshly-ground black pepper

For Serving (Optional):

Parmesan cheese,freshly-grated
Italian bread

Instructions

Heat the pancetta in a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally.
Transfer the bacon to a separate plate, using a slotted spoon, then reserve about 3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the stockpot.
Add the onion, then cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
Add the chicken stock, beans, bay leaf, rosemary and half of the cooked pancetta. Stir to combine.
Continue cooking the soup until it reaches a simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover partially, then let the soup simmer for 10 to 20 minutes.
Add the salt and pepper, to taste. Remove the bay leaf and rosemary.
Top with the extra pancetta, then garnish with Parmesan cheese.
Serve with Italian bread, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 267.02kcal
Fat: 11.60g
Saturated Fat: 3.62g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.19g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.99g
Carbohydrates: 25.14g
Fiber: 3.30g
Sugar: 6.16g
Protein: 15.19g
Cholesterol: 22.07mg
Sodium: 867.65mg
Calcium: 67.42mg
Potassium: 747.27mg
Iron: 2.90mg
Vitamin A: 7.11µg
Vitamin C: 2.56mg

Helpful Technique for Preparing Tuscan White Bean Soup

When cooking the pancetta, make sure to keep a close eye on it as it can burn quickly. The goal is to achieve a crispy texture without it becoming too hard or burnt. Also, when adding the salt and pepper, do so gradually. It's easier to add more seasoning if needed, but impossible to remove if you've added too much. Lastly, when simmering the soup, partially covering the pot allows for some evaporation, which can help intensify the flavors.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Tuscan White Bean Soup

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare whatever you can in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use canned beans: Opt for canned beans instead of dried ones to save time on soaking and cooking.

Invest in a good knife: A sharp, high-quality knife can make chopping and prepping ingredients much quicker and more efficient.

One-pot cooking: Choose recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for utensils or ingredients.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes or adjustments.

Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as chopping vegetables while something is simmering, to save time in the kitchen.

Clean as you go: Wash dishes, utensils, and cutting boards as you cook to prevent a pileup of dishes at the end.

Stock up on essentials: Keep a well-stocked pantry with essential ingredients to avoid last-minute trips to the store.

Substitute Ingredients For Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

pancetta - Substitute with bacon: Bacon can provide a similar smoky and salty flavor to the dish, making it a suitable substitute for pancetta.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly stronger flavor compared to white onions, but they can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic cloves are not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but the quantity should be adjusted to taste.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for chicken stock to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.
cannellini beans - Substitute with great northern beans: Great northern beans have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable substitute for cannellini beans in this recipe.
bay leaf - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can add a subtle earthy and herby flavor similar to bay leaf and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
rosemary - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can provide a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the dish, making it a suitable substitute for rosemary.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino cheese: Pecorino cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute for topping the soup.
italian bread - Substitute with ciabatta bread: Ciabatta bread is a suitable substitute for Italian bread and can be served alongside the soup.

Presentation Tips for Tuscan White Bean Soup

Elevate the pancetta: Instead of simply scattering the pancetta on top of the soup, consider crisping it up and shaping it into a delicate garnish, such as a twirl or a lattice, to add visual appeal and texture to the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the soup with freshly chopped Italian parsley or thyme to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to the presentation.
Artful drizzle of olive oil: Use a steady hand to drizzle a swirl of high-quality olive oil over the soup just before serving, creating an elegant finishing touch that enhances the richness of the dish.
Serve in elegant bowls: Choose porcelain or ceramic bowls with a refined design to showcase the rustic beauty of the soup while adding a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Accompany with artisanal bread: Serve the soup alongside freshly baked Italian bread or ciabatta to provide a delightful textural contrast and elevate the dining experience.
Sprinkle with aged parmesan: Grate a generous amount of aged Parmigiano-Reggiano over the soup just before serving, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and infuse the dish with its distinctive nutty flavor.
Use a custom soup tureen: Present the soup in a custom-made tureen or a stylish copper pot to create a sense of grandeur and showcase the soup as the star of the meal.

Essential Tools for Making Tuscan White Bean Soup

Stockpot: A large, deep pot used for making soups, stews, and stocks. It typically has two handles and a lid.
Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or holes that allow liquids to drain as you lift solid foods from a cooking liquid.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients, typically available in various sizes and materials such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose kitchen knife with a broad blade that tapers to a point, suitable for a variety of kitchen tasks.
Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients, usually made of wood, plastic, or bamboo.
Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged perforations used for shredding or grating ingredients like cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest.
Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl for serving soups, stews, and sauces.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Parmesan grater: A specialized grater used for grating hard cheeses like Parmesan.
Soup bowls: Bowls specifically designed for serving soups, often with a wide and deep shape.

Storing and Freezing Tuscan White Bean Soup

Let the Tuscan white bean soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
If using a container, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the container or bag with the date and the name of the soup.
Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
To freeze the soup, place the container or bag in the freezer and store for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a little chicken stock or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.

How To Reheat Tuscan White Bean Soup Leftovers

Stovetop method: transfer the leftover Tuscan white bean soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through. This method allows you to control the temperature and prevent the soup from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the soup appears too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to thin it out.
Microwave method: pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir the soup and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until it's heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover soup to a slow cooker and heat it on low for 1-2 hours or until it's heated through. This method is ideal if you have a large batch of leftover soup and want to reheat it slowly without the risk of burning it. Plus, the slow cooker will keep the soup warm until you're ready to serve it.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the Tuscan white bean soup before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor. Serve the reheated soup with fresh Italian bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Interesting Fact About Tuscan White Bean Soup

The Tuscan white bean soup is a traditional Italian dish that originated from the Tuscany region. It is a hearty and nutritious soup that is often enjoyed during the colder months. The use of cannellini beans, pancetta, and fresh rosemary gives the soup a rich and savory flavor. This soup is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. It is also a versatile dish that can be easily customized with additional vegetables or herbs. Tuscan white bean soup is a comforting and delicious option for anyone looking for a taste of Italy in a bowl.

Is Making Tuscan White Bean Soup at Home Cost-Effective?

This Tuscan white bean soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as cannellini beans and pancetta, are affordable and readily available. With a Verdict rating of 9, this hearty soup offers great value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly option. The combination of flavors and the nutritional value of the soup make it a worthwhile and economical choice for a family meal.

Is Tuscan White Bean Soup Healthy?

This Tuscan white bean soup recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Let's break it down:

Healthy ingredients:

Cannellini beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals
Onion and garlic provide flavor and offer potential health benefits due to their antioxidant properties
Chicken stock can be a good source of protein and minerals, depending on the quality and preparation

Unhealthy aspects:

Pancetta is high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure if consumed in excess
The recipe does not include a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for a balanced and nutrient-dense meal
Depending on the amount of added salt, the soup may have a high sodium content

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of pancetta or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as turkey bacon or lean ground turkey
Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the soup, such as carrots, celery, kale, or spinach, to boost the nutrient content and fiber
Use low-sodium chicken stock or prepare your own to control the salt content
Limit the amount of added salt and instead rely on herbs and spices for flavor
Serve the soup with a side salad or extra vegetables to create a more balanced meal

By incorporating more vegetables, reducing the saturated fat and sodium content, and focusing on nutrient-dense ingredients, you can transform this Tuscan white bean soup into a healthier option while still maintaining its delicious flavor profile.

Editor's Opinion on This Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

This Tuscan white bean soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of pancetta, garlic, and rosemary infuses the soup with a rich and aromatic essence, while the cannellini beans provide a hearty and satisfying base. The addition of parmesan cheese and Italian bread for serving adds a touch of indulgence to this comforting dish. The recipe's simplicity and depth of flavors make it a perfect choice for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Buon appetito!

Enhance Your Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: A warm and crispy garlic bread would be the perfect accompaniment to this hearty Tuscan white bean soup. The garlic flavor will complement the soup's savory notes, and the crunch of the bread will add a delightful texture to your meal.

Grilled Vegetable Platter: A colorful and vibrant grilled vegetable platter would be a wonderful side dish to serve with this Tuscan white bean soup. The smoky flavors of the grilled vegetables will add depth to the meal, and the variety of veggies will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Mixed Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: A light and refreshing mixed green salad with a zesty citrus vinaigrette would be a lovely addition to this Tuscan white bean soup. The crispness of the greens and the bright citrus flavors will balance out the heartiness of the soup, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Similar Recipes to Tuscan White Bean Soup

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. It's made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a touch of cream for a rich and velvety texture.

Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken: This garlic herb roasted chicken is a simple and delicious recipe that is perfect for a family dinner. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of garlic, herbs, and olive oil, then roasted to perfection for a juicy and flavorful main dish.

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Spicy Sausage and Kale Soup: This spicy sausage and kale soup is a hearty and warming dish that is packed with bold flavors. It features spicy Italian sausage, tender kale, and a savory broth for a satisfying and comforting soup option.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Tuscan White Bean Soup

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these delectable stuffed mushrooms, filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with this classic Italian dish. Toasted bread topped with a flavorful mixture of tomatoes, basil, and garlic, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a burst of freshness in every bite.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture of this dessert will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Tiramisu: Savor the layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and a dusting of cocoa powder in this classic Italian dessert. The combination of flavors and textures creates a decadent treat that is perfect for any occasion.

Why trust this Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe:

This Tuscan White Bean Soup recipe is a trusted classic, crafted with care by a seasoned chef. The use of pancetta infuses rich, savory flavors, while the addition of cannellini beans provides a creamy texture. The aromatic blend of rosemary and garlic adds depth, enhancing the overall taste. With quality chicken stock as the base, this recipe promises a comforting and satisfying meal. The optional garnishes of parmesan cheese and Italian bread offer a delightful finishing touch. Trust in this recipe for an authentic taste of Tuscany.

Share your thoughts on this Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance the flavors of this comforting dish.

FAQ:

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the pancetta and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can also add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add a hint of smokiness that the pancetta would have provided.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use dried beans, simply soak them overnight and then cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the soup. This will give the soup a wonderfully rustic and homemade touch.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes very well. Once the soup has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty Italian bread or a side of garlic bread. You can also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. A simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables would also make a great accompaniment.

How can I make this soup creamier?

If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some of the beans whole for texture. Alternatively, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving for a richer, creamier finish.