Tuscan White Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• Soup Base:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked white beans)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 small bunch kale, ribs removed and chopped (or 4 cups baby spinach)
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Optional Garnishes:
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Vegan Parmesan cheese
  • Crusty bread or baguette

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   1. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and chop the kale (if using kale).
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
   2. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Build the Soup:
   1. Add the vegetable broth, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.
   2. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the Greens:
   1. Add the chopped kale (or spinach) to the pot. If using kale, let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until tender. If using spinach, just cook for a couple of minutes until wilted.
   2. Stir in the nutritional yeast, if using, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Finish the Soup:
   1. Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
   2. Stir in the lemon juice, if using, for added brightness and acidity.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese if desired.
   • Serve with crusty bread or a baguette on the side.