Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that features cannellini beans, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cannellini beans (or two 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans (if using dried):
   • If using dried beans, rinse them thoroughly and soak them overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse the beans before using.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Aromatics:
   • Add minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • If using canned beans, add them to the pot. If using dried beans, add the soaked and rinsed beans. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in Broth:
   • Add vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
6. Add Tomatoes:
   • Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes.
7. Add Greens:
   • Just before serving, stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
8. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Optionally, top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Enjoy:
   • Serve the Tuscan White Bean Soup hot, perhaps with some crusty bread on the side.

This Tuscan White Bean Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!