Tuscan White Bean Soup (Zuppa di Fagioli)

A rustic, hearty Italian soup made with creamy white beans, vegetables, herbs, and olive oil. Comforting, healthy, and perfect with crusty bread.

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes

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🛒 Ingredients

Base

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Soup

• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
  (or 3 cups cooked dried beans)

• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional but traditional in many versions)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Greens

• 2 cups chopped kale or Swiss chard

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Finish

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra drizzle of olive oil

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

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1️⃣ Build the Flavor Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add onion, carrots, and celery.

3. Cook 6–8 minutes until softened.

4. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

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2️⃣ Add Beans & Broth

1. Stir in beans, broth, tomatoes (if using), thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

2. Bring to a gentle boil.

3. Reduce to simmer and cook 20–25 minutes.

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3️⃣ Blend for Creaminess (Optional but Recommended)

For authentic texture:

• Remove 1–2 cups of soup.

• Blend until smooth.

• Return to pot and stir.

This thickens the soup naturally without cream.

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4️⃣ Add Greens

Stir in kale or chard.
Simmer 5–7 minutes until tender.

Add lemon juice to brighten flavor.

Remove bay leaf.

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🧄 Taste & Adjust

Add more:

• Salt if needed

• Black pepper

• Olive oil drizzle

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🍞 Serve With

• Toasted rustic bread rubbed with garlic

• Grated Parmesan

• Extra olive oil on top

• Fresh parsley

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⭐ Pro Tips

✔ Use high-quality olive oil — it makes a difference
✔ Let soup rest 15 minutes before serving for deeper flavor
✔ It tastes even better the next day
✔ Add a Parmesan rind while simmering for richer flavor

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🥓 Optional Add-Ins

Hearty Version:

• ½ lb Italian sausage (brown before vegetables)

Pancetta Version:

• 3 oz diced pancetta sautéed with onions

Vegan Version:

• Use vegetable broth

• Skip Parmesan

• Add nutritional yeast for depth

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🫘 Using Dried Beans Instead

1. Soak 1½ cups dried cannellini beans overnight.

2. Drain and simmer in fresh water 60–90 minutes until tender.

3. Use in recipe as directed.