Name: Tuscan White Bean Soup
Ingredients: 1 lb turkey bacon: A hearty alternative to traditional bacon, turkey bacon provides a smoky flavor while being lower in fat and calories.; 1 large yellow onion, diced: Onions add a sweet and savory base to the soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile.; 3 ribs celery, diced: Celery introduces a fresh crunch and depth of flavor, complementing the other vegetables.; 2 large carrots, sliced: Carrots not only add sweetness but also vibrant color, making the soup visually appealing.; 2 tsp minced garlic: Garlic is essential for its aromatic qualities, bringing the dish to life with its robust flavor.; 1 tbsp tomato paste: Tomato paste provides a rich umami flavor and thickens the broth, contributing to the creaminess.; 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs typically used in Italian dishes, this seasoning infuses warmth and earthiness into the soup.; ½ tsp crushed red pepper: A hint of spice from crushed red pepper adds warmth and a bit of zing to the flavor profile.; ½ tsp ground black pepper: Black pepper enhances the overall taste, balancing the creamy and savory elements.; 4 cups chicken broth: This is the base of the soup, adding a savory depth of flavor. For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth.; 2 cans Great Northern beans, drained: These beans are creamy and tender, adding heartiness and nutrition to the soup.; 2 cups fresh spinach: Spinach brings a bright color and a nutritious boost, adding vitamins and minerals.; ½ cup heavy cream: Heavy cream brings richness and smoothness to the soup, creating a luxurious texture.; Parsley for garnish: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the soup’s presentation.

Description

Warm up with a hearty Tuscan white bean soup, packed with veggies, herbs, and protein-rich beans for a cozy, comforting main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb turkey bacon: A hearty alternative to traditional bacon, turkey bacon provides a smoky flavor while being lower in fat and calories.
1 large yellow onion, diced: Onions add a sweet and savory base to the soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
3 ribs celery, diced: Celery introduces a fresh crunch and depth of flavor, complementing the other vegetables.
2 large carrots, sliced: Carrots not only add sweetness but also vibrant color, making the soup visually appealing.
2 tsp minced garlic: Garlic is essential for its aromatic qualities, bringing the dish to life with its robust flavor.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Tomato paste provides a rich umami flavor and thickens the broth, contributing to the creaminess.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs typically used in Italian dishes, this seasoning infuses warmth and earthiness into the soup.
½ tsp crushed red pepper: A hint of spice from crushed red pepper adds warmth and a bit of zing to the flavor profile.
½ tsp ground black pepper: Black pepper enhances the overall taste, balancing the creamy and savory elements.
4 cups chicken broth: This is the base of the soup, adding a savory depth of flavor. For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth.
2 cans Great Northern beans, drained: These beans are creamy and tender, adding heartiness and nutrition to the soup.
2 cups fresh spinach: Spinach brings a bright color and a nutritious boost, adding vitamins and minerals.
½ cup heavy cream: Heavy cream brings richness and smoothness to the soup, creating a luxurious texture.
Parsley for garnish: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the soup’s presentation.

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven, brown 1 lb turkey bacon over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, until crispy. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
In the same pot, stir in 1 large yellow onion, diced, 3 ribs celery, diced, and 2 large carrots, sliced. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
Add 2 tsp minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly until fragrant. Then, stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp crushed red pepper, and ½ tsp ground black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and add the drained beans from 2 cans Great Northern beans. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 6-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Reduce the heat and mix in ½ cup heavy cream and 2 cups fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, approximately 5 minutes.
Serve warm in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your delicious and heartwarming Tuscan White Bean Soup!