Description
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a warm, nourishing, and flavorful comfort bowl featuring smoked turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and wholesome plant-based ingredients. This soup combines creamy white beans, smoky depth, and garden-fresh herbs for a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings or quick dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Protein
- 2 cups white beans (cannellini or navy), soaked overnight if dry or drained and rinsed if canned
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 fresh sage leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Liquids and Oils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Optional Additions
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent (e.g., pectin, agar, carrageenan) dissolved in small amount of broth, optional for thicker texture
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
- Plant-based shredded Parmesan (plant-based), for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Sauté the Aromatics: Chop the yellow onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy and fragrant. Then add the chopped vegetables and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and aromatic, creating the flavorful base of the soup.
- Add Herbs and Liquids: Add the fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage sprigs to the pot, stirring to release their essential oils. Pour in the vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Incorporate the Beans: Drain and rinse canned white beans or soak and cook dry beans until tender. Add the beans to the pot, stirring thoroughly. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes to deepen flavors and allow the soup to slightly thicken.
- Adjust Seasoning and Consistency: Season the soup with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If a thicker consistency is desired, stir in the dissolved natural gelling agent and cook for a few minutes until fully integrated.
- Final Touches and Serve: Remove the herb sprigs before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil and plant-based shredded Parmesan (plant-based) if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or well-stored canned beans to ensure creamy texture and avoid bitterness.
- Simmer soup gently over low heat to maximize flavor infusion without breaking down ingredients excessively.
- Lightly toast dried herbs before adding to release deeper flavor if using dried instead of fresh.
- Reserve some beans to mash and add back for a creamier body.
- Skim excess oil or fat after cooking for a lighter finish if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Tuscan White Bean Soup, white beans, savory soup, plant-based protein, smoked turkey bacon, fresh herbs, gluten free soup, comforting soup
