Description
Tuscan Soup is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired soup that combines creamy cannellini beans, fresh kale or Swiss chard, aromatic garlic and onions, tangy tomatoes, and savory broth. Ready in under an hour, this comforting and nutritious dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy meals any time of the year. Versatile and adaptable, it can be customized with meat, spice, or made vegetarian and gluten-free while delivering authentic Tuscan flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Vegetables
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups fresh kale or Swiss chard, washed and destemmed
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh or canned diced tomatoes
Liquids
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Wash and destem the kale or Swiss chard. Rinse and drain the cannellini beans if using canned. This prep ensures a smooth cooking process.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant, forming the flavorful base of the soup.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the diced tomatoes and fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage). Let the mixture simmer gently so the flavors meld together.
- Pour in Broth and Beans: Add the broth and cannellini beans to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer to allow the ingredients to soften and combine flavors, about 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Greens: Add the kale or Swiss chard last to preserve its vibrant color and slight crunch. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to blend all flavors well.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for the most authentic flavor.
- Add leafy greens at the end to prevent overcooking and retain nutrients and texture.
- Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste.
- Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and preserve pure bean flavor.
- Simmer gently after boiling to enhance flavors without breaking down ingredients too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg