Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tuscan White Bean & Vegetable Soup?
It is a nutritious, vegetarian soup featuring cannellini beans, kale, and aromatic herbs, inspired by the flavors of Tuscany.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it uses vegetable bouillon and plant-based ingredients.
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, all ingredients listed, including olive oil and vegetarian bouillon, are vegan-friendly.
How many Weight Watchers points is this soup?
This soup is approximately 3 Weight Watchers Points per generous bowl.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 400g can of drained cannellini beans.
Can I substitute cannellini beans with something else?
Yes, you can use other white beans like Great Northern beans or Navy beans as a substitute.
How much kale is needed?
The recipe requires 50 grams of chopped kale.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with fresh thyme leaves and chopped sage leaves.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, though fresh is recommended. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but you should ensure your vegetarian bouillon powder is certified gluten-free.
How long does it take to sautรฉ the base vegetables?
The onion, carrot, celery, and garlic should be sautรฉed for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
How much water is added to the soup?
The recipe calls for 300 ml of water.
When do I add the kale and cabbage?
Add the chopped cabbage and kale after stirring in the tomatoes, herbs, water, and bouillon.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for 15 to 20 minutes once the greens are added.
Do I need to cook the beans before adding them?
No, you use canned cannellini beans that are drained; they only need to be heated through at the end.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, you can easily add zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes to increase the vegetable content.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Is this soup low in calories?
Yes, it is tagged as a low-calorie and healthy meal option.
How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautรฉing process for extra heat.
What type of cabbage should I use?
The recipe suggests 2 chopped cabbage leaves; Savoy or green cabbage works best.
What is the best way to reheat the soup?
Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Can I use oil spray instead of olive oil?
Yes, if you want to further reduce the fat content, you can use a light oil spray for sautรฉing.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, thanks to the beans, kale, cabbage, and other vegetables, it is a high-fiber meal.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 400g of fresh chopped tomatoes, though you may need to add a bit more liquid.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs perfectly with crusty whole-grain bread or a light side salad.
Does this recipe require a blender?
No, this is a chunky vegetable soup and does not require any blending.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 chopped garlic cloves.
Is this a good meal-prep recipe?
Absolutely, the flavors often improve the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
What makes this soup 'Tuscan'?
The combination of white beans, kale, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like sage and thyme is classic to Tuscan cuisine.