Description
Ina Garten's Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting, hearty soup featuring tender cannellini beans simmered with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and a rich broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup can be blended for a creamy texture and garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creamier soup)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: Put olive oil in a large soup pot and heat over medium heat until warm to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they soften, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and crushed red pepper if using. Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the drained cannellini beans. Add the bay leaf and stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 25–30 minutes to develop flavors.
- Blend the Soup (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree half or all of the soup directly in the pot, depending on your preference.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in heavy cream if desired. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if you like.
Notes
- The crushed red pepper is optional and can be omitted or adjusted depending on your preference for spice.
- The immersion blender step is optional; blending part or all of the soup creates a deliciously creamy texture but leaving it chunky is also traditional.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit it for a lighter version.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the seasoning level.
- This soup can be made vegetarian using vegetable broth and omitting the Parmesan or using a vegetarian alternative.
