Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Soup
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever had one of those days where only comfort food will do? This white beans recipe is my go-to! It's a creamy , hearty , Tuscan inspired soup.
It seriously tastes like Italy in a bowl.
Brief Overview
This Tuscan soup recipe hails from the heart of Italy. It’s a simple, rustic dish perfect for warming you up.
Don't let the fanciness fool you, it's dead easy. This recipe is beginner friendly and takes about an hour. It makes about 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Main Benefits
The star of the show, white beans , are packed with fibre and protein. Talk about a good for you dish.
I normally serve this for a cosy Sunday lunch, or a quick weeknight dinner. What makes this rustic white bean soup special? It's the combination of creamy beans, savory sausage, and those fragrant Italian herbs.
Bellissimo!
Craving the Ultimate Comfort Food?
It’s like a warm hug after a long day. Seriously, this soup is everything. The subtle smokiness from the sausage, balanced with the creamy cannellini bean soup recipe , is to die for.
Honestly, white bean and kale soup is not only delicious. It's also super versatile.
Let's talk time saving tricks!
You can totally use pre-cooked sausage to cut down on prep time. A trick I always use!. Or, if you’re feeling virtuous, skip the sausage altogether.
And make a vegetarian white bean soup . You will not regret it. My kids even love it, and that’s saying something.
My Nonna's Secret Ingredient.
It's the secret ingredient. A splash of white wine vinegar right at the end adds a certain zing. It is like, chefs kiss.
Don’t skip it! Another tip? Serve it with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious broth. You can use any bread for this recipe.
However, I recommend Italian bread, that can be used to make a delicious and How To Make Fluffy French Toast .
By the way, What Is The Best Bread For French Toast? .
So, are you ready to ditch the takeout and whip up this amazing soup? Next up, the ingredients!
Ingredients and Equipment: Let's Get Ready!
So, you're thinking about making this rustic white bean soup , eh? Good on ya! Before we dive headfirst into this Tuscan soup recipe , let's make sure we've got all our ducks in a row.
Nothing worse than getting halfway through and realizing you're missing something!
Main Ingredients for your Creamy White Bean Soup
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Good quality olive oil makes a difference here. The flavor really comes through.
Italian Sausage: 1 pound (450g). Sweet or hot? Your shout! Just make sure you take it out of the casings.
Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup).
Carrots: 2 , chopped (about 1 cup).
Celery: 2 stalks , chopped (about 1 cup).
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don't skimp on the garlic. Trust me!
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon .
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick.
Chicken Broth: 8 cups (approx. 1.9 liters). Veggie broth works brilliantly for a vegetarian white bean soup .
Cannellini Beans: 2 (15-ounce) cans , rinsed and drained (approx. 425g each). These are essential for the authentic cannellini bean soup recipe .
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml). This gives it that lovely creaminess.
Kale or Spinach: 4 cups , chopped. Kale is more traditional for white bean and kale soup .
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Obvs.
Quality Check: For the sausage, look for something with a good fat content and a nice aroma. You know, the kind that makes your mouth water when you open the package!
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town!
The combo of oregano and thyme is classic Italian. Feel free to add a bay leaf for extra depth. A parmesan rind while simmering is also amazing.
No oregano? Marjoram or Italian seasoning works. For a flavour enhancer, a tiny squeeze of tomato paste intensifies the savory notes.
Equipment Needed: Simple is Best
- Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Bottomed Pot: Essential for even cooking.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring. Pretty self explanatory.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping your veg. Keep those fingers safe!
Household Hack: Don't have a Dutch oven? A large stockpot will do the trick just fine!
Honestly, this easy white bean soup is so forgiving. I remember one time I didn't have any celery and I just threw in some extra carrots.
Still tasted amazing! You can even whip up How To Make Fluffy French Toast when you have guests as an extra recipe, and for the best results consider What Is The Best Bread For French Toast , I have had mine with brioche loaf, and it tasted out of this world! This Italian sausage soup is really versatile.
Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Soup: A Rustic Delight
Fancy a bit of Tuscany without leaving your kitchen? This white bean recipe for Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Soup is just the ticket! Honestly, it's a hug in a bowl, proper comfort food for a chilly evening.
Think rustic, hearty, and packed with flavour.
Prep Like a Pro
Before we get started, let's do some prep. It's all about the mise en place , innit? Chop your onion, carrots, and celery.
Get your garlic minced, and your Italian sausage out of its casing. This will save you time and stress later on.
step-by-step to Soup Heaven
- Sauté the Sausage: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown 1 pound of sausage, breaking it up as you go. Remove the sausage.
- Veggie Power: Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté them until they're nice and soft, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Aromatic Boost: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave!) Cook for 1 minute . Smells amazing, right?
- Simmer Time: Return the sausage to the pot. Add 8 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes .
- Creamy Goodness: Stir in 2 (15-ounce) cans of rinsed and drained cannellini beans . For that signature creamy texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
- Green Scene: Stir in 4 cups of chopped kale or spinach. Cook until they're wilted, about 5 minutes .
Pro Tips for a Perfect Bowl
- Bean Secret: For extra creaminess, blend 1 cup of the cannellini beans separately with some broth. Then, stir it back into the soup. It's a game changer! This will level up any creamy white bean soup .
- Avoid This Mistake: Don't skip the simmering time! It's crucial for the flavours to meld together and create that authentic Tuscan taste.
- You can easily make this ahead! The flavors actually get better after a day or two in the fridge. Just saying.
So, there you have it. A simple, delicious, and comforting Tuscan soup recipe that's sure to become a family favourite.
And if you're veggie, just swap out the sausage for something else, and you can call it an easy white bean soup .
Now get in there and cook! You know you want to.
Oh, and if you are looking for bread to have with your soup, you can also check How To Make Fluffy French Toast , and what What Is The Best Bread For French Toast too.
Recipe Notes
This Tuscan soup recipe is dead simple! But here are a few tips. They'll help you nail it, make it your own.
Honestly, even if you mess up a bit, it’ll still taste amazing. Let's dive in!
Serving Suggestions: Make it Insta Worthy
Forget boring bowls! Ladle your creamy white bean soup into rustic earthenware. A swirl of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley? Chef's kiss! Serve with a hunk of crusty bread.
Great for mopping up every last drop! A side salad of bitter greens? The lemon dressing will cut through the richness.
As for drinks? A crisp, dry white wine would be lovely.
Storage Tips: Making it Last
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This easy white bean soup keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container. It lasts for 3-4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze it. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of broth. Otherwise, it may thicken up too much.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir often, until heated through.
Variations: Spice it Up or Pare it Down
Fancy a twist? Swap the kale for spinach. Or try adding some lemon zest. The lemon brings a surprising zing.
For a vegetarian white bean soup , ditch the sausage. Add smoked paprika. It'll give that same lovely smoky flavour.
Want a lighter version? Skip the cream. Honestly, it's still delicious. This white bean and kale soup is versatile.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bowl
This rustic white bean soup is packed with goodness. It's got protein from the beans. It's got fiber from the veggies.
Plus, it's a good source of vitamins and minerals. Of course, the sausage adds some fat. But it brings amazing flavour.
It’s a balanced meal that’ll keep you full and satisfied. You can think of it as a version of cannellini bean soup recipe .
Speaking of other things you can do; Have you ever tried making french toast? The possibilities are limitless and it is so easy to do! If you wanted to know How To Make Fluffy French Toast or even What Is The Best Bread For French Toast , there is tons of things that you can learn.
So, there you have it! My tips and tricks for the perfect white beans recipe . Now, get cooking! Don't be afraid to experiment.
Most of all, enjoy! You got this! And don't forget to smile. Good food is meant to be fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this white beans recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! To make this Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Soup vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, replace the sausage with a tablespoon of smoked paprika to capture some of that smoky flavour and the heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant based alternative.
It's as easy as pie!
What other beans can I use if I don't have cannellini beans for this recipe?
No worries, mate, substitutions are a doddle! If you can't find cannellini beans (also known as white kidney beans), Great Northern beans or navy beans will work perfectly well in this white beans recipe. They have a similar creamy texture and mild flavour that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the soup.
How can I store leftover white bean soup? And how long will it last?
Leftover Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Soup is even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months.
Just be aware that the texture of the cream might change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavour will still be fantastic. If freezing, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to freezer safe containers or bags.
My soup isn't thick enough. How can I thicken this white beans recipe?
A thinner soup is no cause for alarm, we can fix that lickety split. The easiest way to thicken your white beans recipe is to use an immersion blender to blend more of the soup. Alternatively, you can remove a cup or two of the soup, blend it in a regular blender until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
You can also simmer the soup for a bit longer, uncovered, to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Is this white bean soup recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
This Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Soup can be a part of a healthy diet. White beans are a fantastic source of plant based protein and fibre, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals.
To make it even healthier, consider using lean sausage, low-sodium broth, and adding more vegetables.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! For a slow cooker, brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as instructed in steps 1 & 2 then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except the cream and greens) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Stir in the cream and greens during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the sausage and vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients (except cream and greens).
Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then a quick release. Stir in cream and greens and let wilt before serving.
Tuscan White Bean And Sausage Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 8g |