Rustic Tuscan Bean and Ham Soup
Discover the comforting flavors of rustic Tuscan Bean and Ham Soup, a hearty bowl filled with fibers and proteins perfect for a nourishing meal. This rich and creamy soup combines tender cannellini and borlotti beans with savory vegetables and smoky bacon, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Ideal for those pursuing a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing taste, this delightful dish is not only easy to prepare but also freezes exceptionally well for future cravings. Whether you're chilling at home or entertaining guests, this soup is a go-to recipe that'll leave everyone asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
olive oil
to taste (for drizzling)
celery
1 stick (chopped)
onion
1 (chopped)
carrot
1 large (chopped)
vegetable stock
1.25 pints (prepared)
cannellini beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
borlotti beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
fresh rosemary
1 sprig (whole)
fresh thyme
1 sprig (whole)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
cooked ham
5 ounces (shredded)
bacon
8 slices (cooked crispy)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped celery, onion, and carrot along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté gently for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
3
Pour in the vegetable stock, then stir in the drained cannellini and borlotti beans. Add the fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Remove the herbs from the soup. Using a stick blender, blend the soup until it reaches a roughly chunky yet creamy consistency, which adds texture.
5
Stir in the shredded ham and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
6
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a few crispy bacon slices on top and a drizzle of olive oil for that extra touch of richness.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
6.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Tuscan Bean and Ham Soup?
It is a hearty, comforting bowl filled with fibers and proteins, combining tender beans with savory vegetables and smoky bacon.
What types of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of cannellini beans and borlotti beans.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Is this soup suitable for a healthy lifestyle?
Yes, it is ideal for those pursuing a healthier lifestyle as it is rich in fiber and protein while being relatively low in calories.
Can I freeze this soup for later?
Yes, this soup freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for future cravings or meal prep.
What vegetables are included in the base of the soup?
The soup base includes chopped celery, onion, and a large carrot.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
This soup provides 6.25 grams of fiber per serving.
What type of stock is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1.25 pints of prepared vegetable stock.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the celery, onion, and carrot gently for about 10 minutes until softened but not browned.
Which herbs are used to flavor the soup?
The recipe uses fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, and one bay leaf.
How do I achieve a creamy yet chunky texture?
Use a stick blender to blend the soup until it reaches a roughly chunky yet creamy consistency after removing the herbs.
When do I add the ham to the soup?
Stir in the shredded ham after blending the soup and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
How is the bacon used in this recipe?
Eight slices of bacon are cooked until crispy and used as a garnish on top of the soup.
What is the fat content per serving?
The soup contains 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the soup?
There are 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is olive oil used in this recipe?
Yes, olive oil is used both for cooking the vegetables and for drizzling over the finished soup.
Should the herbs be left in the soup when serving?
No, the fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf should be removed before blending and serving.
Can this soup be served to guests?
Absolutely, it is a great go-to recipe for entertaining guests and is sure to leave them asking for seconds.
How much ham is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 5 ounces of cooked, shredded ham.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 13 ingredients in total including the garnishes and oils.
How long does the soup need to simmer with the beans?
After adding the beans and stock, let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
Is the soup blended completely smooth?
No, it is blended to a roughly chunky consistency to add texture to the dish.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this soup?
The soup features smoky, savory, and herbaceous flavors with a rich and creamy bean base.
Can I make this soup without meat?
While the recipe includes ham and bacon, it can be adapted for vegetarians by omitting those ingredients.
What tool do I need to blend the soup?
A stick blender (immersion blender) is recommended for blending the soup directly in the pot.
How should the vegetables be chopped?
The celery, onion, and carrot should all be chopped into small pieces for even cooking.
What is the final garnish for the soup?
Garnish with crispy bacon slices and a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, a pinch of salt and pepper is added when sautéing the vegetables.
How do you prepare the beans before adding them?
The canned cannellini and borlotti beans should be drained before being added to the pot.