Best Tuscan White Bean Soup, also known as Minestrone alla Toscana, is a hearty and comforting Italian soup made with cannellini beans, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Here's a recipe for the best Tuscan White Bean Soup, along with some variations and cooking tips:
Ingredients:
* 1 pound dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
* 3 cloves garlic, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
* 1 carrot, chopped (about 1 cup)
* 1 celery stalk, chopped (about 1 cup)
* 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, preferably fresh or low-sodium
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt, to taste
* 6 cups chicken broth, ideally low-sodium and homemade
* 2 cups water
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Variations:
* Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of red pepper, if you like a little heat.
* Add some sautéed Pancetta or prosciutto for a smoky flavor.
* Use other types of white beans, such as Great Northern or Navy beans, if cannellini are not available.
* Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or other vegetables to make the soup more colorful and nutritious.
* Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
Cooking steps:
1. **Soak the cannellini beans**: Rinse the beans and soak them in water overnight. Drain and rinse them again.
2. **Sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery**: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
3. **Add the spices and herbs**: Add the thyme, bay leaf, oregano, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. **Add the tomatoes and beans**: Add the diced tomatoes and drained cannellini beans. Stir well to combine.
5. **Add the broth and water**: Add the chicken broth and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
6. **Season with salt**: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt.
7. **Add Parmesan cheese and parsley (optional)**: If using, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top of the served soup.
Tips for making the best Tuscan White Bean Soup:
* **Use high-quality ingredients**: Fresh vegetables, herbs, and olive oil will make a big difference in the flavor of the soup.
* **Soak the beans**: Soaking the beans overnight will help to rehydrate them and reduce cooking time.
* **Let the flavors meld**: Simmering the soup for 1 hour will allow the flavors to come together and the beans to become tender.
* **Use low-sodium broth**: Using low-sodium broth will help to balance the flavors in the soup and reduce saltiness.
* **Experiment with ingredients**: Feel free to add or substitute different ingredients to make the soup your own.
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