Name: Tuscan White Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 1 cup dried white beans (or 2 cups canned white beans, drained and rinsed); 4 cups vegetable broth (natural); 2 slices smoky turkey bacon, sliced into small pieces; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 2 medium carrots, finely diced; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural); 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural), plus extra for drizzling; Sea salt, to taste; Ground black pepper, to taste

If you are dreaming of a rich yet comforting dish to warm up the chilliest evening, look no further than this Easy Tuscan White Bean Soup. This hearty, soul-soothing bowl bursts with smoky turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and tender white beans simmered to perfection, making it an irresistible choice for cozy nights. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this Tuscan White Bean Soup blends simple ingredients into a vibrant medley of flavors that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in a bowl: The combination of creamy white beans and smoky turkey bacon creates an irresistible cozy flavor perfect for chilly nights.
Simple but flavorful: Basic pantry staples come together effortlessly to create complex and satisfying taste.
Nutritious and filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh herbs, this soup keeps you energized and satisfied.
Perfect for meal prep: Easily doubles or triples for leftovers that only taste better the next day.
Customizable: Adapt spices and herbs to personalize the soup to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients brings this Tuscan White Bean Soup to life, each contributing to its comforting texture, smoky aroma, or vibrant color. From the rich broth base to the tender beans, every component plays a key role.

White Beans: The heart of the soup, providing creamy texture and fiber-packed nutrition.
Smoky Turkey Bacon: Adds a deep, rich smokiness that elevates every bite.
Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base when sautéed to golden perfection.
Carrots and Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables that boost the flavor and add subtle crunch.
Garlic Cloves: Infuses the broth with a warm, pungent punch of flavor.
Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural): Brings a hint of tangy umami depth to the broth.
Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: Earthy herbs that give the soup its rustic, Tuscan character.
Vegetable Broth: The liquid foundation that ties all ingredients together with savory richness.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a gentle touch of heat to brighten the taste.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (natural): A drizzle for finishing that adds silky richness and a fruity aroma.
Sea Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and heighten every ingredient’s flavor.

Variations for Tuscan White Bean Soup

Making this Tuscan White Bean Soup your own is super easy. Whether you want it heartier, lighter, or with a creative twist, the recipe welcomes your preferences and pantry finds.

Make it vegetarian: Skip the turkey bacon and add smoked paprika for that smoky depth without meat.
Use different beans: Cannellini or Great Northern beans work wonderfully as alternatives.
Add greens: Toss in chopped kale or spinach near the end for extra nutrition and color.
Spice it up: Incorporate a pinch of ground cumin or smoked paprika for a warm, slightly smoky flavor boost.
Thicker texture: Puree part of the soup with a natural gelling agent to make it heartier without losing creaminess.

Easy Tuscan White Bean Soup for Cozy Nights

How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by finely dicing the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and chop the fresh rosemary and thyme. Slice the turkey bacon into small pieces to ensure each spoonful has that smoky goodness.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey Bacon

Heat a pot over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil (natural). Toss in the turkey bacon pieces and cook until crispy and golden. Remove them onto a paper towel, then in the same pot sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 6 minutes.

Step 3: Add Beans and Broth

Stir in the rinsed white beans, fresh herbs, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), crushed red pepper flakes if using, and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a simmer, allowing all flavors to mingle while the soup gently bubbles.

Step 4: Simmer and Season

Let the soup cook on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, uncovered, so the broth concentrates and the veggies soften completely. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to make it perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the crispy turkey bacon to the pot and stir gently. Spoon the hot Tuscan White Bean Soup into bowls and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil (natural) for a final touch of richness.

Pro Tips for Making Tuscan White Bean Soup

Use quality broth: A rich vegetable broth enhances the depth and complexity of the soup.
Don’t rush the simmer: Slow cooking allows herbs and beans to fully develop flavor.
Prep ingredients uniformly: Even chopping ensures everything cooks evenly and looks appealing.
Adjust seasoning gradually: Add salt and pepper in increments and taste often.
Fresh herbs at the end: Add some fresh parsley or basil just before serving to brighten the flavors.

How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or shaved plant-based Parmesan (plant-based) lifts the soup with vibrant color and a fresh finish. A drizzle of olive oil (natural) adds silkiness, while freshly cracked black pepper offers a comforting bite.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with rustic whole-grain bread or crusty baguette for dipping. A light mixed green salad dressed in lemon and olive oil (natural) balances the richness and makes the meal complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual stone bowls or bread bowls to bring a charming Tuscan vibe to your table. Add toasted pine nuts or roasted cherry tomatoes on top for a fun textural contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making leftovers even more satisfying.

Freezing

This Tuscan White Bean Soup freezes very well. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for a convenient, ready-to-go meal on busy days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore the desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Absolutely! Canned white beans work perfectly for a quicker version. Just drain and rinse them well before adding to the soup in Step 3.

Is turkey bacon necessary for the smoky flavor?

Turkey bacon adds a wonderful smoky depth, but smoked paprika or liquid smoke are excellent plant-based alternatives if you prefer a vegetarian soup.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding fresh herbs near the end for best flavor.

What can I use to thicken the soup?

For a thicker texture, blend a portion of the soup with a natural gelling agent or use mashed beans before stirring back in to keep it creamy without heaviness.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

It’s excellent for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge and freezer, and flavors improve when reheated, making it a smart choice for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a bowl of Tuscan White Bean Soup that feels like it was made just for you on a chilly night. With its comforting blend of smoky turkey bacon, fragrant herbs, and velvety beans, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your pot, gather those simple ingredients, and dive into cozy, nourishing goodness that warms both heart and soul.

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Author: David
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Tuscan White Bean Soup is a warm and comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. Featuring tender white beans simmered with smoky turkey bacon, fresh rosemary and thyme, and classic aromatics, this soup offers a creamy texture and vibrant flavors. It is a nutritious, filling, and customizable meal ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, bringing the taste of Tuscany to your table.

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Chop the fresh rosemary and thyme. Slice the turkey bacon into small pieces to ensure smoky flavor in every bite.
Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey Bacon: Heat a pot over medium heat and add a splash of extra virgin olive oil (natural). Add the turkey bacon pieces and cook until crispy and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel. In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 6 minutes.
Add Beans and Broth: Stir in the rinsed white beans, chopped rosemary and thyme, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the vegetable broth (natural) and bring to a simmer to blend the flavors.
Simmer and Season: Let the soup cook uncovered on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the broth to concentrate and the vegetables to soften. Season with sea salt and ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
Finish and Serve: Return the crispy turkey bacon to the pot and stir gently. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil (natural) for richness. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or shaved plant-based Parmesan (plant-based).