Save to Pinterest This Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty, rustic dish featuring Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and fresh vegetables simmered in a fragrant broth. Perfect for cozy nights, it brings the comforting flavors of Italy directly to your table with minimal effort.
Save to Pinterest The combination of savory sausage, earthy herbs like rosemary and thyme, and the brightness of diced tomatoes creates a deeply flavorful broth. It is a wholesome one-pot meal that is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- Meats: 500 g (1 lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 120 g (4 oz) baby spinach (about 4 cups); 400 g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- Beans: 2 cans (400 g/14 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Broth & Liquids: 1.5 liters (6 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
- Herbs & Spices: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Step 2
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add zucchini and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 4
- Add cannellini beans and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Step 5
- Stir in baby spinach and simmer for 2–3 minutes, until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Step 6
- Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a creamier texture, you can mash some of the cannellini beans with a wooden spoon against the side of the pot before serving. This releases their natural starch and thickens the broth beautifully.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth, adding extra beans for protein. To ensure the dish is gluten-free, always double-check the labels on your sausage and chicken broth for any hidden additives.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this soup hot with a side of crusty bread to soak up the fragrant broth. It pairs exceptionally well with a glass of Italian wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.
Save to Pinterest With its rich textures and classic Italian flavors, this Tuscan White Bean Soup is a wholesome meal that the whole family will enjoy. Simple to prepare and deeply satisfying, it is the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Yes, you can use mild or spicy sausage according to preference. For a vegetarian option, omit sausage and add extra beans with vegetable broth.
- → What beans work best in this soup?
Cannellini beans are ideal for their creamy texture, but other white beans like Great Northern can be used.
- → How do I make the soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free sausage and broth to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities.
- → Can the soup be made creamier?
Mash some of the cannellini beans before adding to the broth for a richer, creamier texture.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor profile?
Dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary combined with garlic and crushed red pepper flakes add a robust and aromatic flavor.
- → How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with 35 minutes cooking time, totaling around 50 minutes.
