Description
Easy Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with smoky turkey bacon, fragrant fresh herbs, and a rich, luscious broth, it balances creamy white beans and robust flavors to satisfy both your taste buds and soul. Ready in under an hour, this versatile recipe is ideal for simple weeknight meals or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Proteins
- 2 cups dried cannellini beans (soaked overnight) or 3 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grape juice
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (natural), adjust to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrot, and celery. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring it does not burn.
- Add turkey bacon and herbs: Incorporate the chopped turkey bacon into the pot and cook until lightly crispy to release its smoky aroma. Add the fresh rosemary and thyme, stirring well to distribute their fragrance evenly.
- Combine the liquids and beans: Pour in the vegetable broth, grape juice, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then add the soaked cannellini beans or canned beans. Cook together for 20-25 minutes allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season and finish: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to your liking. Drizzle a bit more olive oil for added richness before serving. Optionally, remove rosemary and thyme stems to keep the soup smooth.
Notes
- Use dried beans soaked overnight for the best creamy texture or canned beans for quicker preparation.
- Simmer gently to blend the flavors without breaking down the beans too quickly.
- Fresh rosemary and thyme provide better aroma than dried herbs.
- Adjust salt, pepper, and spices gradually throughout cooking for balanced seasoning.
- Adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end brightens the soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, easy white bean soup, turkey bacon soup, creamy bean soup, comforting soup, vegetarian option
