Classic Tuscan Soup //
It’s winter… but I live in Southern California, so it’s not reallllllly winter! I surely can’t relate to those of you shoveling snow and bundling up in your cozy cold-weather gear. Where I live, we’ve had a few days of cooler weather, some rain, and even one day of random snow {can you believe it?}… but for the most part, we’ve had many days in the 70’s. {I’m not complaining, I assure you!}
Despite the warmer weather we’ve had this past week, I do still crave cups of soul-warming food and steaming hot beverages! This Classic Tuscan Soup completely takes care of those seasonal cravings. It’s filled with earthy, satisfying vegetables and hearty white beans. It’s a healthier soup, so for those of you eating clean… this one’s for you!
In addition to being a deliciously healthy soup, it’s simple to make. The whole meal cooks in one pot and can be ready in just over 30 minutes from start to finish!
The vegetables are sautéed in a bit of olive oil, for a few minutes, before adding the broth, and a couple remaining ingredients. This leaves the vegetables ever-so-slightly crisp when you bite into them. {Seriously, perfect!} Half of the canellini beans are coarsely mashed, which thickens the soup and makes the broth more substantial and filling.
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4-6
- 2 (13-15-ounce) cans low-sodium canellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ large white or yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium/large carrots, diced (about ½ cup)
- 2 stalks celery, diced, (about ½ cup)
- 1 zucchini, diced (about 1½ cups)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can no salt added diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chopped spinach leaves
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
- In a small bowl mash one can of the beans with a masher or the back of a spoon, and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper, and cook stirring occasionally until the vegetables are slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the broth and tomatoes (with the juice) and bring to a boil. Add the mashed and whole beans, along with the spinach leaves. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan Cheese (if desired).
Recipe adapted from Ellie Krieger {The Food Network} // http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/tuscan-vegetable-soup-recipe.html
If you’re a fan of soups… I think you will love this recipe! Give it a try and let me know what you think! Wishing you many cozy, heart-warming days ahead!
Jen says
January 21, 2015 at 7:30 PMThis looks delicious! A bit colder up here- always looking for a healthy soup recipe!
Simply Happenstance says
January 23, 2015 at 9:29 PMHi Jennifer! Hope you and your sweet family are doing well! Also hope that you’re able to whip up a tasty batch of this warm soup sometime soon! Craving your cooler weather… my kids got sunburned this week at school! Oh Southern California winters… I guess I really shouldn’t complain! Enjoy your weekend! xoxo
Becky at Cooking with Vinyl says
January 22, 2015 at 6:01 PMThis looks really delicious. I found your blog on a link party and am excited to read more. I’ve followed your social networks and hope we can connect on those. Thanks for sharing! Becky
Simply Happenstance says
January 23, 2015 at 9:25 PMHi Becky! Thanks so much for stopping by from the link party on Tidy Mom! I just had a look at your blog… brilliant! What a cool site! Love your pairing of food & music! Would love to connect with you on your social networks! Doing so now! All the best! xo
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
January 22, 2015 at 8:22 PMThis tuscan soup just looks so comforting, hearty and delicious – perfect for the rainy weather here in Australia right now.
Simply Happenstance says
January 23, 2015 at 9:20 PMThank you so much, Thalia! It is just that… comforting and delicious! 😉 Your blog — it’s simply stunning! So glad that you stopped by! xo
Jamie says
January 29, 2015 at 3:19 PMLooks perfect for a weeknight dinner:) putting it on my grocery list for the week.
Simply Happenstance says
January 30, 2015 at 7:14 AMYay! You’ll love it, Jam! LMK what you think! xoxo