Tuscan White Bean Soup 

This hearty and flavorful Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting dish that combines white beans, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It's a perfect meal for chilly evenings, offering a nourishing and satisfying experience. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a starter, this soup brings the essence of Italian cuisine to your table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add diced carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

2. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and the spices to become fragrant.

3. Combine Broth and Beans: Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add the cannellini beans, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.

4. Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach, cooking until wilted, about 3–5 minutes.

5. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm, accompanied by crusty bread if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 270 kcal

• Protein: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 44g

• Dietary Fiber: 21g

• Total Sugars: 7g

• Total Fat: 3g

• Saturated Fat: 0g

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Sodium: 377mg

• Potassium: 1024mg

• Calcium: 107mg

• Iron: 6mg