Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1/3 cup diced carrot
1/3 cup diced green pepper
5 garlic cloves , minced
1 can cannellini beans , with juices
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup orzo pasta
3/4 cup frozen chopped spinach , thawed and squeezed fairly dry
2 tablespoons fresh parsley , chopped
2 teaspoons sage
2 teaspoons thyme
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
1 cup half-and-half
extra virgin olive oil , for serving
fresh grated parmesan cheese , for serving
Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup is a comforting meal that is perfect for a chilly evening. The combination of beans, pasta, and spinach makes it hearty and satisfying, while the addition of half-and-half provides a creaminess that is hard to resist. This soup is inspired by the Tuscan region of Italy, where beans are a staple food and are often paired with pasta. The addition of fresh herbs like sage and thyme give the soup a delicious flavor and aroma. It's a great meal to prepare in advance and enjoy throughout the week.

Instructions

1.Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2.Add onion, carrot, and green pepper and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3.Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4.Add cannellini beans and vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer.
5.Add orzo pasta, spinach, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook until orzo is tender.
6.Stir in half-and-half and heat until warmed through.
7.Serve in bowls drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with fresh grated parmesan cheese.

PROS

This soup is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cold day.

It is also vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the half-and-half.

CONS

The orzo pasta in this soup may not be suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.

It is also relatively high in fat due to the half-and-half and parmesan cheese toppings.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This soup is a good source of protein and fiber from the cannellini beans and spinach.
It also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

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