Craving a bowl of comfort? This Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup is the answer. Packed with hearty cannellini beans, fresh veggies, and vibrant greens, this dish warms both body and soul. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare. Just set the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Ready to dive into a cozy meal that nourishes you? Let’s get started!

Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
– 2 cups dried cannellini beans
– 1 medium onion, finely diced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
– 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
– 2 cups baby kale or fresh spinach
To make a great soup, you start with the right beans. Dried cannellini beans are rich and creamy. They soak up flavors well. So, rinse them and soak them overnight. This step helps them cook better.
Next, you need fresh vegetables. I love using onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. These veggies add sweetness and depth. Dice them up finely for even cooking.
You’ll need low-sodium vegetable broth for a rich base. This keeps the soup hearty but light. Diced tomatoes add a nice acidity and balance. Always pick a can that is undrained.
Finally, baby kale or fresh spinach gives a lovely green touch. They bring color and nutrition.
Seasoning and Garnishing
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish
Seasoning brings all the flavors together. Dried oregano and thyme add a classic Italian taste. Red pepper flakes give it a little heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice level.
Always season with salt and pepper to taste. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds richness.
When serving, fresh basil is a must. It adds a sweet, aromatic finish. Just tear the leaves and sprinkle them on top. This soup is all about simple, fresh flavors that come together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Beans and Vegetables
First, drain and rinse the dried cannellini beans. Soaking them overnight helps to soften the beans. Next, prepare your vegetable mix. Dice one medium onion, two carrots, and two celery stalks. Mince three cloves of garlic. This mix adds great flavor to our soup.
Cooking Process
Heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies soften. Stir often. Once they are tender, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Now, the garlic will smell great!
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the soaked cannellini beans along with six cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Also, include one 14 oz can of undrained diced tomatoes. Mix in one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of dried thyme, and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir everything well to combine.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for eight hours or on high for four hours. The beans should become tender and flavorful.
Final Touches
About 15 minutes before serving, add two cups of baby kale or fresh spinach. This adds nice color and nutrition. Taste the soup now and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for a lovely finish. A drizzle of olive oil around the bowl adds a touch of elegance. Enjoy this hearty and comforting soup!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
Soaking the beans overnight is key. This step helps the beans cook evenly and makes them soft. It also cuts down on cooking time. If you skip this, your soup may end up with hard beans.
To get the best flavor balance, use fresh ingredients. Fresh vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery bring out the soup’s taste. Sauté them well before adding to the slow cooker. This step adds depth to the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This soup tastes great with bread. A slice of crusty whole-grain bread pairs perfectly. You can also serve it with a salad for a light meal.
When storing leftovers, use airtight containers. Place the soup in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to leave space in the container for expansion.
Variations to Try
To change things up, add different spices. Try smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or cumin for warmth.
You can also add other vegetables. Zucchini or bell peppers work well. For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken or sausage. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for these additions.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Tuscan white bean soup fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Let the soup cool to room temperature before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure you leave space for expansion. The soup can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, reheating is easy. Use a pot on the stove for the best flavor. Heat the soup over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also use the microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the soup hot without losing taste.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned beans. They save time and are easy to find. If you do this, skip the soaking step. Drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them. You should also reduce the cooking time. Cook the soup on low for about 4 hours or on high for about 2 hours. This way, the beans will heat up without getting too soft.
Is this soup vegan-friendly?
Yes, this soup is vegan-friendly! All the ingredients used are plant-based. You have dried cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and vegetable broth. The spices and olive oil are also vegan. If you want to serve it with bread, make sure the bread is vegan too.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you want more heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a little extra, like ¼ teaspoon at a time, and taste as you go. You can also add fresh chili peppers or hot sauce. Just remember, you can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in!
Nutritional Information
Overview of Nutritional Benefits
This Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup is not just tasty; it packs a punch in nutrition. The dried cannellini beans are a great source of protein and fiber. Each serving gives you a boost of energy while keeping you full. Beans help support healthy digestion too.
The soup also includes many vegetables. Onion, carrots, celery, and garlic add vitamins A and C. These vitamins help keep your immune system strong. The baby kale or fresh spinach brings in iron, calcium, and more vitamins. Together, these ingredients make a hearty meal that is good for your body.
Serving Size and Calories
This recipe serves about six people. Each serving has around 220 calories. This low-calorie count makes it easy to enjoy without guilt. Plus, the soup is low in sodium, thanks to using low-sodium vegetable broth.
Key ingredients, like olive oil, provide healthy fats. They help your body absorb vitamins from the veggies. Overall, this soup is not just comfort food; it’s also a nutrient-rich meal you can feel good about.
This blog post outlined a delicious soup recipe featuring cannellini beans, fresh veggies, and tasty spices. You learned how to prepare the ingredients, cook them, and make the dish shine with garnishes. With tips for storage and reheating, you can enjoy this meal any time. Remember, you can customize your soup with different spices and vegetables to match your taste. Enjoy the health benefits and flavors this recipe brings to your table!
