Ina Garten Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
The Ina Garten Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is a warm and comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. This rustic Italian-style soup is full of creamy white beans, vegetables and rich broth.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cans cannellini beans 15 oz each, drained
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
Optional toppings:
- Extra olive oil drizzle
- Fresh parsley
- Crusty bread
Instructions
Heat the Olive Oil
- Place a large soup pot on medium heat. Add olive oil and allow it to warm gently. Warm oil helps soften the vegetables and builds the base flavor for the soup.
Cook the Vegetables
- Add chopped onion, carrots and celery to the pot. Stir often while cooking for about five minutes. The vegetables should soften and release a pleasant aroma.
Add Garlic
- Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Stir carefully so the garlic does not burn. Garlic adds a rich and warm flavor to the soup.
Add the Beans
- Pour the cannellini beans into the pot. Stir gently so the beans mix evenly with the vegetables. The beans create the creamy texture of the soup.
Pour the Broth
- Add vegetable or chicken broth slowly. Stir the mixture so the beans and vegetables combine smoothly. The broth forms the main body of the soup.
Add Tomatoes and Herbs
- Add diced tomatoes, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. Stir well so the herbs spread evenly throughout the soup. The herbs give the dish a classic Tuscan flavor.
Simmer the Soup
- Lower the heat and allow the soup to simmer for about twenty minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The simmering helps the flavors blend beautifully.
Blend Part of the Soup
- Use an immersion blender to blend a small portion of the soup. This step thickens the broth while keeping some whole beans for texture.
Add Greens
- Add chopped kale or spinach to the pot. Cook for about five minutes until the greens become soft. This adds color and nutrients to the soup.
Add Lemon Juice
- Stir in lemon juice just before serving. The lemon brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the beans.
Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and drizzle a little olive oil on top. This completes how to make Ina Garten Tuscan White Bean Soup.
Notes
- Use fresh rosemary for deeper herbal flavor.
- Add cooked sausage for a heartier soup.
- Replace kale with Swiss chard or spinach.
- Use homemade broth for richer taste.
- Add crushed red pepper for gentle heat.
- Serve with toasted garlic bread.