Description
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a cozy and nutrient-packed dish featuring smoky turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and tender white beans. This wholesome soup blends smoky, herbal, and creamy textures for a satisfying meal perfect for chilly days or a comforting lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Broth
- 2 cups cooked white beans or 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
Protein
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil (natural) in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced smoked turkey bacon and cook until it releases its smoky aroma and crisps slightly. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Cook for another minute to allow the herbs to infuse the base with their earthy, aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate Beans and Broth: Pour in the rinsed white beans and vegetable broth (natural). Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar (natural). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.
- Final Touches: Stir in chopped spinach or kale if using, in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a thicker texture, mash some beans slightly with the back of a spoon directly in the pot. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use quality canned or soaked white beans for best texture.
- Simmer gently to blend flavors without overcooking vegetables.
- Fresh rosemary and thyme provide more vibrant herbal notes than dried.
- Add apple cider vinegar (natural) gradually for balanced acidity.
- Crisp smoked turkey bacon well for smoky crunch.
- Optional garnishes: freshly chopped parsley, crushed chili flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil (natural).
- Protein alternatives: smoked tofu or tempeh can replace turkey bacon.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for variety.
- Mash some beans for thicker, creamier soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, smoky turkey bacon soup, hearty bean soup, vegetarian white bean soup, gluten free soup, cozy winter soup
