Description
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a creamy, hearty, and soul-warming dish featuring tender white beans, smoky turkey bacon, and fresh herbs. This comfort food delivers authentic Tuscan flavors with a bright mix of rosemary, thyme, and sage, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave cozy nourishment.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Protein
- 1 1/2 cups great northern or cannellini white beans (soaked overnight if dried)
- 6 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural), plus more for finishing
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Fresh Herbs
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
Other
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse and drain canned white beans or soak dried beans overnight for best texture. Chop smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice onion, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic and chop fresh herbs.
- Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery, stirring until tender and fragrant. Add garlic and cook for one more minute to release aroma.
- Build the Soup: Return smoked turkey bacon to the pot with the beans. Pour in vegetable broth and stir in rosemary, thyme, and sage. Season generously with sea salt, black pepper, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Bring to a simmer and cook gently for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Apple Cider Vinegar and Natural Gelling Agent: Stir in apple cider vinegar to brighten flavors. Add natural gelling agent and whisk thoroughly to incorporate. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the soup achieves a slightly thickened, comforting consistency.
- Final Taste and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle soup into bowls, drizzle with extra olive oil (natural), and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm with rustic bread or preferred accompaniments.
Notes
- Use quality beans, preferably dried and soaked, for a creamy texture and better flavor control.
- Simmer the soup slowly over low heat to develop deeper flavors and allow herbs to infuse fully.
- For added texture, mash a portion of the beans and stir back into the soup.
- Use fresh herbs rather than dried for a more vibrant and authentic taste.
- Add the natural gelling agent toward the end to gently thicken the soup without overpowering the broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking if using dried beans)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Tuscan White Bean Soup, white bean soup, smoked turkey bacon soup, hearty soup, Tuscan herbs, comfort food, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce soup
