Giada Tuscan White Bean and Garlic Soup Recipe
Giada Tuscan White Bean and Garlic Soup Recipe is warm, creamy and full of simple Italian flavors. This soup is healthy, comforting, and easy to make at home. White beans and garlic blend perfectly, creating a rich, smooth texture.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cans 15 oz each white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
Heat the olive oil
- Place olive oil in a large pot. Heat over medium heat. This will soften vegetables and release flavors slowly.
Cook the onion
- Add chopped onion to the pot. Stir frequently. Cook until onions turn soft, translucent and fragrant for about five minutes.
Add garlic
- Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly. Do not burn it. Garlic should smell warm and aromatic without turning brown.
Add carrots and celery
- Place diced carrots and celery into the pot. Stir well. These vegetables add natural sweetness and flavor to the soup base.
Pour in the broth
- Add vegetable or chicken broth slowly. Stir gently. Make sure vegetables are fully covered to cook evenly in simmering liquid.
Add white beans
- Stir in rinsed white beans. They provide protein and creamy texture while keeping the soup hearty and satisfying for every spoonful.
Season with herbs
- Add dried thyme and rosemary. Stir to combine. Herbs give the soup a fresh, earthy flavor reminiscent of Tuscan cooking.
Simmer the soup
- Bring soup to a gentle simmer. Cover loosely and cook for 20 minutes. Vegetables should be tender and flavors well blended.
Add kale or spinach
- Stir in chopped kale or spinach if using. Cook for 5 minutes. Greens add color, nutrition and mild flavor to the soup.
Blend (optional)
- Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for creaminess. Or blend half in a regular blender and return.
Taste and adjust
- Add salt and pepper slowly. Taste carefully. Adjust seasoning until the soup is balanced, warm and flavorful.
Serve and garnish
- Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for extra richness and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the Tuscan comfort.
Notes
- Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness
- Use fresh herbs if possible for stronger flavor
- Blend half the soup for creamy texture, keep some whole beans
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom
- Serve immediately for best taste, though leftovers are great too