Description
Cozy up with this easy Tuscan White Bean Soup featuring smoked turkey bacon and fresh herbs for a nourishing, plant-based delight that brings the warmth of Italian countryside cooking right to your table. This hearty soup blends creamy white beans, aromatic garlic, and vibrant herbs into a bowl full of comfort and flavor, making it an ideal choice for chilly days or whenever you crave a satisfying, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Broth
- 2 cups dried cannellini beans (soaked and cooked) or 3 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth (natural)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Protein and Fats
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Plant-based grated cheese (natural)
- Extra virgin olive oil (natural), for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, cooking gently until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation for your soup.
- Add Smoked Turkey Bacon: Stir in the chopped smoked turkey bacon and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until it lightly browns and releases its smoky aroma. This layer adds a wonderful depth to the broth.
- Incorporate Beans and Broth: Add the rinsed cannellini beans along with vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 25 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Blend for Creaminess: Remove a few cups of soup and puree it until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. Return this creamy portion back to the pot for a perfect, velvety consistency without losing the hearty bean texture.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then remove the herb sprigs. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of plant-based grated cheese (natural), and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (natural) for that irresistible finish.
Notes
- Use dried beans for the best texture and flavor, soaking and cooking them beforehand.
- Simmer the soup gently on low heat to deepen flavor without overcooking ingredients.
- Always use fresh rosemary and thyme to capture authentic Tuscan flavor.
- Blending a portion of the soup creates a creamy texture while keeping some beans intact for hearty mouthfeel.
- Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth or water if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, cannellini beans, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based soup, Italian soup, hearty soup, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce